In a significant move to bolster electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the UK government has eliminated the requirement for planning permission to install EV chargers across England. Effective from May 29, 2025, this regulatory change aims to expedite the deployment of both public and private charging points, facilitating the nation’s transition to electric mobility.
The new policy allows homeowners, businesses, and local authorities to install EV charging stations without the previously mandatory planning applications. This streamlining is expected to reduce installation delays by up to nine months and lower associated costs, thereby encouraging wider adoption of EVs.
Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, emphasized the government’s commitment to simplifying the EV transition. “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 charge points to power from and less red tape to deal with,” she stated.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the reform. Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network, noted that removing planning permission requirements for essential infrastructure like substations would “save months of delays, reduce costs, and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need.”
The UK currently hosts approximately 80,000 public EV charge points, with a new charger being installed every 29 minutes. The government’s target is to increase this number to 300,000 by 2030. To support this goal, over £2.3 billion is being invested in EV adoption, infrastructure enhancement, and domestic manufacturing.
Additional incentives include a £350 grant for residents in flats with on-street parking to install home chargers. Businesses, charities, and public sector organizations can also receive £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets through the Workplace Charging Scheme. These measures aim to make EV charging more accessible and affordable across various sectors.
While the policy change has been largely praised, some citizens have expressed concerns about infrastructure readiness and practicality, particularly in densely populated areas. Nonetheless, the government’s initiative represents a significant step toward achieving a more sustainable and electrified transportation future in the UK.
