'Barrier' removed in rule change that affects every home without a driveway

Electric vehicle owners and hopeful future EV drivers are in line to benefit as the Government announces a £63 million injection into the nation's electric car market. Under its Plan for Change, Downing Street has unveiled plans to deploy an expansive charging network, touting a yearly saving of up to £1,500 for individuals ditching petrol or diesel motors.

A £25 million funding pot for councils aims to widen the availability of budget-friendly home charging options.

The scheme is set to overhaul the charging experience by streamlining access to affordable household electricity rates, promising substantial financial relief for thousands without their private off-street parking facilities.

Solutions such as cross-pavement technology will permit safe underfoot cable routes, granting households without driveways the ability to charge at cut-rate domestic prices, hovering around a minuscule 2p per mile.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head-on so that everyone - whether or not they have a driveway - can access the benefits of going electric.

"This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain's economy looks like in practice. We're not just boosting charging infrastructure, we're building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country."

In addition to this eco-friendly push, there's a revamp underway for EV charging signs along major roads. Since the start of 2023, the number of EV charging hubs has more than doubled, and now, larger hubs will be signposted from major A-roads, a first for the UK.

AA president Edmund King said: "There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future. It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution."

Matas Buzelis, a car expert at vehicle history platform carVertical, said: "The EV is without a doubt the future so this move by the Government makes sense and should be applauded. Many people living in urban environments, especially in big cities, don't have driveways and their dream of buying an EV often ends right there."

Industry expert Samuel Mather-Holgate at Mather and Murray Financial said: "If this initiative overcomes the practical hurdles of EV ownership and boosts the charging infrastructure, it's a win for consumers and a win for the environment."

Scott Gallacher, director at Rowley Turton, added: "Until charging is quicker and easier, consumers won't switch in the numbers needed to make a difference, which will incentivise manufacturers.

"On the face of it, it's a great idea. EVs are undoubtedly the future.

"I'm on my second electric car, first a Tesla and now a BMW i5, and while I have access to charging both at home and work, I know lack of charging options is a major barrier for many people. So this initiative is very welcome.

"EVs are cheaper to run and improve local air quality, which is good for both the environment and household budgets. However, my big questions are: will this scheme be enough, how many households will it realistically help, and should the Government be subsidising those who can already afford a new car, especially when the public finances have a huge black hole?"