The UK government is preparing to introduce new legislation this summer to transform access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for millions of drivers without off-street parking.

Ministers describe the move as a major step toward a more inclusive transition to cleaner transport.

Sales of EVs, both new and used, have risen dramatically over the last few months.

Paving the way

Under the proposed changes, households will be allowed to install specially designed “charging gullies” in pavements outside their homes, enabling cables to run safely from indoor electricity supplies to vehicles parked on the street.

Crucially, the new rules are expected to remove the need for individual planning permission in many cases, significantly reducing bureaucracy and delays.

The move addresses what is considered a significant and long-standing barrier to EV adoption in the UK.

Around 40% of households do not have access to private driveways or off-street parking, meaning they have traditionally relied on public charging networks, which are often more expensive and less convenient.

Cost and convenience

Charging at home is typically far cheaper than using public chargers, partly due to lower electricity tariffs and VAT rates.

At present, 5% VAT is charged for domestic energy compared with 20% for many public charging services.

Officials believe that enabling more drivers to access home charging could significantly reduce running costs and encourage wider EV uptake.

A government spokesperson said the reforms are intended to “remove practical barriers for households without driveways” and ensure that the benefits of EV ownership are not limited to those with private parking.

The legislation forms part of a broader package of measures designed to accelerate the shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles, particularly as global energy instability continues to push up fossil fuel prices.

The policy also builds on existing financial support.

From April 2026, EV charger grants have been increased to up to £500 per socket, covering a substantial portion of installation costs for renters, flat owners and households relying on on-street parking.

These grants, alongside expanded schemes for landlords and businesses, are designed to make home charging infrastructure more accessible across a wider range of housing types.

Not without costs

Industry figures have broadly welcomed the planned changes.

Energy and charging companies argue that simplifying installation rules could unlock significant latent demand among urban drivers who have been unable to install chargers due to planning restrictions or safety concerns around trailing cables.

However, challenges remain.

Installing pavement gullies can cost around £1,000 in some cases, and responsibility for maintenance and safety standards will need to be clearly defined.

Local authorities are also expected to play a role in overseeing implementation, raising questions about consistency across different regions.

Local councils have previously taken varied approaches to cross-pavement charging, with some permitting it under strict conditions and others restricting it altogether.

The new legislation aims to create a more uniform national framework, reducing what some campaigners have described as a “postcode lottery” for EV access.

Accelerating the revolution

Transport analysts note that improving home charging access is critical to accelerating EV adoption.

Studies suggest that access to convenient, affordable charging significantly increases the likelihood of households switching to electric vehicles, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The timing of the reforms is also significant, considering the significant rise in petrol and diesel prices amid geopolitical tensions.

It means the cost advantage of electric driving has become even more pronounced, especially when home charging can cost as little as a few pence per mile, compared with the substantially higher costs of fossil-fuel vehicles.

Turning the key

Despite the optimism, some experts caution that infrastructure expansion must keep pace with demand.

While cross-pavement solutions offer a practical short-term fix, wider investment in on-street and public charging networks will still be needed to support long-term growth.

If implemented as planned, the new rules could mark a turning point in the UK’s EV transition, helping to bridge the gap between homeowners with driveways and those without.

It should make electric driving a more realistic option for millions more households.