The Department for Transport has announced the elimination of planning applications when installing EV chargepoints. This change, which came into effect on 29 May 2025, simplifies the process for homeowners and businesses.
With planning changes also applying to workplace and public chargepoints, businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less, helping increase the number of public chargepoints so that EV owners can charge more easily.
Currently, the UK has nearly 80,000 public chargepoints. Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show that a record of nearly 3,000 public charging devices were added in April alone, equivalent to one popping up every 29 minutes.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, stated: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses, and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with."
This policy change is expected to accelerate the establishment of rapid charging hubs, particularly in underserved rural areas, and is welcomed by the BVRLA and other industry stakeholders who anticipate reduced costs and faster infrastructure development.
More information on the GOV.UK website: Less paperwork, more chargepoints: government cuts red tape to make it easier, quicker and cheaper to switch to EVs
