A NEW rule that affects every household in the UK could make motoring not only more environmentally friendly – but cheaper too.
Under new proposals set out by the government, drivers will be able to save more than £1,000 a year thanks to the removal of a key bureaucratic barrier around installing a home EV charger.
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Home EV chargers made easier with planning permission removed for most single driveway installationCredit: Getty
Government says simpler home charging could help drivers save up to £1,100 a year and encourage the shift from petrol and dieselCredit: Getty
The main change, introduced last summer, is that homeowners no longer have to apply for “householder planning permission” to fit a single EV charging unit on their driveway – as long as it is either wall-mounted or on a pedestal.
This major simplification compared with the previous system – in which Brits were forced to apply for time-consuming planning applications and legal hurdles – is intended to make home charging easier and therefore make the switch from petrol and diesel motors feel more practical.
And it’s been argued that, by enabling more people to charge at home and adopt electric vehicles more easily, motorists could save up to about £1,100 per year compared with running a traditional petrol or diesel car.
Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network, said the move is a positive one, telling the Express: “This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground.
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“Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need.
“It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen.”
However, even with the relaxed rules, installation is not completely unrestricted and there are important limits.
For example, charging units must not exceed 0.2 cubic metres in volume and must be installed at least two metres from public roads, showing that safety and placement considerations still apply.
Beyond those technical conditions, whether a homeowner can actually fit a charger may depend on property rights.
This includes leaseholders who may face refusal or conditions from freeholders who can restrict alterations, while some new-build estates have title deed clauses limiting exterior changes that could include installing a charging point.
What’s more, those who share a driveway with a neighbour could face difficulties and potential legal disputes.
At present, there are approximately 1.75 million fully electric cars on UK roads and demand is continuing to rise.
In fact, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicates that 47,000 new cars were sold in 2025 – an increase of 8% compared to figures from 2024.
Limits still apply through size and placement rules and through restrictions affecting leaseholders new build deed clauses and shared access routesCredit: Getty
