The government has announced a public consultation for new plans that could see all new-build homes fitted with an electric car chargepoint. 

The proposals aim to support and encourage the growing uptake of electric vehicles within the UK by ensuring that all new homes with a dedicated car parking space are built with an electric charge point, making charging easier, cheaper and more convenient for drivers.

The legislation would be a world first and complements wider investment and measures the government says it has put in place to ensure the UK has one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world, as part of the £1.5bn Road to Zero environmental strategy. The government has also announced that it wants to see all newly installed rapid and higher powered charge points provide debit or credit card payment by spring 2020.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “With record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads, it is clear there is 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. The government has already taken steps to ensure that existing homes are electric vehicle ready by providing up to £500 off the costs of installing a charge point at home.”

Having supported the installation of almost 100,000 domestic charge points through grant support schemes, the government has also announced that it is consulting on requirements that all new private charge points use ‘smart’ technology. This means an electric vehicle would charge at different times of the day in response to signals, such as electricity tariff information. This would encourage off-peak charging, keeping costs down for consumers.

The consultation proposes using powers under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act to require most new charge points to have smart functionality and meet minimum standards. It also launches a call for evidence on the longer-term options for smart charging.

Click here to view the public consultation proposals 

The consultation closes on 7 October.