UK New Homes to Require EV Chargers

New UK Regulations Mandate EV Charging Stations

Beginning in 2022, all newly constructed homes and commercial properties within the United Kingdom will be mandated to include electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, as announced by the government today.

This new regulation is designed to accelerate the uptake of EVs throughout the country, with projections indicating the addition of up to 145,000 new charging points annually.

Facilitating a Seamless Transition to Electric Vehicles

According to the official press release, the initiative will ensure that new homeowners and businesses are prepared for an electric vehicle future.

The aim is to make charging an EV as convenient as refueling a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle, with readily accessible charge points at new commercial establishments and workplaces across the UK.

Significant Expansion of Charging Infrastructure

The UK government has already supported the installation of over 250,000 charging points nationwide.

These new rules are expected to increase that number by more than 50 percent within the initial year of implementation.

The legislation encompasses buildings such as supermarkets and workplaces, as well as substantial renovations involving more than 10 parking spaces.

However, specific details regarding the regulations, including technical specifications and power output requirements, are still pending release.

Concerns Regarding Regional Disparities and Affordability

The Labour party, representing the opposition, highlighted a significant imbalance in charging point distribution.

Currently, London and the southeastern region of England possess a greater concentration of charging points than the rest of England and Wales combined, a situation the new law does not directly address.

Furthermore, the party expressed concern that the regulations lack provisions to enhance the affordability of EVs for families with lower and middle incomes, as reported by the BBC.

Ambitious Goals for a Fossil Fuel-Free Future

The UK government is committed to a complete prohibition of the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles by the year 2030 – a decade ahead of its original schedule.

Previously, the government pledged to invest £500 million (approximately $660 million) in the development of EV charging infrastructure throughout the country.

Note: This report was initially published on Engadget.