UK Simplifies EV Charging for Street Parkers

The United Kingdom government said it plans to bring forward legislation this summer to make it easier for households without off-street parking to charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home. Officials said the changes are intended to speed up EV adoption and cut dependence on fossil fuels, with the new rules expected to be in place before the end of 2024.

Under the proposal, motorists would be allowed to run charging cables through pavement “charging gullies” outside their homes without needing planning permission. At present, nearly half of UK councils already allow installations where cables are set into gullies, but council approval is still required. The government framed the planned shift as a way to remove a practical obstacle for drivers who park on the street and may be weighing whether an EV is workable for their daily needs.

Cost is a central part of the policy rationale described by officials. Home charging is materially cheaper because domestic electricity is subject to a 5% VAT rate, compared with 20% VAT applied at public charging points. By making home charging simpler for people without driveways, the government is seeking to widen access to the lower-cost option and reduce the need to rely on public infrastructure for routine charging.

The announcement sits within a broader package the government said is aimed at easing pressure from higher energy costs and strengthening energy security after disruptions to global energy supplies. Alongside the EV charging changes, the government said it intends to consult on adjustments to permitted development rights to make it easier to install solar panels and heat pumps, with a particular focus on flats.

It also said it plans to support low-income households with plug-in solar solutions through the Warm Homes Plan.

Industry demand signals cited in the update point to rising interest across electrification and home energy technologies. Octopus Energy reported more than 85% growth in EV leases and nearly 80% growth in solar power system sales between February and March. The government’s proposed steps are designed to reduce administrative friction around home upgrades and charging access, though the timing and final scope will depend on the legislative process and the outcome of consultations.