The Growing Demand for Home EV Charging

As the UK transitions towards electric vehicles (EVs), more homeowners are considering installing EV charge points on their property. While public charging infrastructure continues to grow, having the convenience of charging at home is a significant advantage for EV owners. However, before proceeding with an installation, it’s important to understand the regulations, planning rules, and eligibility for grants that apply to home EV charge points in the UK.

Do You Need Planning Permission to Install an EV Charger at Home?

In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install an EV charge point at your home. This is because EV chargers are considered ‘permitted development’ under planning laws in England, Scotland, and Wales, provided certain conditions are met.

To qualify as permitted development, the EV charger must:

• Be installed in an area lawfully used for off-street parking.
• Not exceed 0.2 cubic metres in size.
• Not be within two metres of a highway if installed on a wall facing the street.
• Be installed in a manner that minimises the impact on the appearance of the property.

 In such cases, it’s advisable to check with your local planning authority before proceeding.

Do You Need Permission from the Grid or Your DNO?

While planning permission is usually not required, your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must be notified when an EV charge point is installed. The DNO manages the electrical supply to your home and must ensure that the local grid can accommodate the increased demand.

Most certified EV installers will take care of notifying the DNO as part of the installation process. If the grid in your area needs an upgrade to support your new charger, the DNO may require additional work, which could involve delays or extra costs.

Which Charger Can You Legally Install?

In the UK, all home EV charge points must comply with the latest safety and technical standards. Since June 2022, all new private charge points sold in England, Wales, and Scotland must have smart functionality.

• Communicating remotely to receive updates.
• Delaying or adjusting the time of charging to avoid peak demand periods.
• Recording and reporting energy usage.

The aim of these regulations is to support a more efficient use of the grid and to reduce pressure during peak hours. Make sure your installer provides a unit that meets these standards.

Do You Need a Qualified Installer?

Yes, home EV charge points must be installed by a qualified and registered electrician who is authorised to carry out the work. Installers should be certified under a government-approved scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and ideally listed on the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) approved installer database.

Using a certified installer not only ensures safety and compliance but is also a requirement if you want to apply for government grants.

Can You Get a Grant to Install an EV Charger at Home?

Homeowners who live in flats or rental properties may be eligible for financial support through the EV Chargepoint Grant, which replaced the previous Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).

Key points about the EV Chargepoint Grant:

• Offers up to 75% off the cost of installing a charge point, capped at £350.
• Available to homeowners in flats and people in rental accommodation.
• Only applies if you own, lease, or have ordered a qualifying electric vehicle.
• Installation must be completed by an OZEV-approved installer.

Homeowners in single-unit houses (such as detached or semi-detached homes) are no longer eligible for this grant, but some local councils offer additional support or incentives for residents.

What If You Don’t Have a Driveway?

Installing a home charger typically requires off-street parking. If you don’t have a driveway or garage, installing a charge point becomes more complex. You may still be able to install one, but it must not obstruct the pavement or pose a trip hazard.

Running a cable across a public footpath is generally discouraged, and local councils may fine or prohibit it if it creates a risk. Some councils allow the use of cable covers or pavement gullies with prior approval, but you should always check local policies first.

For those without suitable off-street parking, other solutions include community charging schemes, applying for a dedicated on-street charging bay, or using public charging infrastructure.

Future-Proofing and Smart Features

Many modern EV chargers come with smart features that help future-proof your investment. These include solar integration, scheduled charging during off-peak hours, and compatibility with mobile apps for remote control. As energy prices fluctuate and grid balancing becomes more important, smart chargers will continue to offer greater control and savings.

It’s also worth considering whether your charger supports updates and can be easily upgraded in future to meet evolving regulations or charging speeds.

Summary

Installing an EV charge point at home is a straightforward process for most UK homeowners, but it’s essential to follow the correct legal and regulatory steps. Ensure your property is suitable, use a qualified installer, and choose a charger that complies with the latest smart charging rules. While planning permission is rarely required, local council and DNO notifications may still be necessary.

With grants available for certain property types and technology improving rapidly, installing a home EV charger is becoming an increasingly attractive option for UK drivers. It offers convenience, long-term savings, and aligns with the broader push towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation.