UK Proposes To Install EV Charging Points in All-New Houses

The UK government has unveiled plans which could mean that all new build homes in the country will be fitted with electric vehicle charging points.

The plan is devised to support the growing number of electric cars that the users are buying in the UK. The legislation would be the first of its kind in the world, and would be introduced alongside the UK’s Road to Zero strategy.

If put into practice, all new-build homes with dedicated parking spaces would have charging points in the country and will make vehicle charging cheaper and more convenient for drivers.

In addition, authorities want all newly-installed rapid and higher-powered public charge points to take debit or credit card payments by the spring of 2020.

In a statement, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said that there was “an appetite for cleaner, greener transport.”

“Home charging provides the most convenient and low-cost option for consumers — you can simply plug your car in to charge overnight as you would a mobile phone,” Grayling added.

Currently, electric car users can apply for a grant of up to £500 off the cost of installing a charge point at their residence.

While electric vehicles are becoming the car of choice for an increasing number of drivers, they do face challenges, when it comes to range and charging infrastructure.

Worldwide electric car sales hit 1.98 million in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), with global stock reaching 5.12 million. China’s electric vehicle market is the biggest, the IEA says, with Europe and the U.S. following behind.