Legislating for change in the transition to electric vehicles

The government has revealed new legislation to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The legislation, which will come into force next year, will require new homes to be fitted with electric vehicle charge points. The legislation will also apply to new buildings, such as supermarkets and workplaces, as well as those undergoing major renovations with over 10 parking spaces.

The government estimates that up to 145,000 extra charge points will be installed across England each year as a result of the regulations. This projection must be realised should the required level of charging infrastructure be provided, with the Competition and Markets Authority revealing in a recent study that Britain needs 10 times as many EV charge-points before 2030.

While the new legislation is welcome news, it is critical that more public charging stations continue to be delivered. This is especially the case in high-density areas, where it is not possible for every property to have cables running from their electricity supply to a vehicle.

Other considerations include increasing investment in new technologies to reduce charging times, as well as battery and vehicle production, where the UK is at risk of falling behind other countries.

These are just a few of the changes that must be made should the UK wish to not only successfully transition to electric vehicles, but also anchor electric vehicle and battery production here.