Rule change that 'removes barrier' affects every home without a driveway

Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts are set to benefit as the Government rolls out a new £63 million initiative aimed at supercharging the UK's EV revolution, part of its Plan for Change. However, the timing of this launch has raised eyebrows among experts.

The Government has announced a £25 million scheme dedicated to local authorities that will broaden the availability of cost-effective at-home charging solutions.

The scheme is set to slash household electricity costs for EV owners, with the Government suggesting potential savings of up to £1,500 annually when compared to the expenses of running a petrol or diesel vehicle. This move is expected to revolutionise the charging habits of thousands of households lacking private driveways.

READ MORE: Southend Airport plane crash UPDATES: Plane 'corkscrewed upside down into ground'

READ MORE: 'Our parents are stuck in jail abroad - their trip of lifetime turned into hell'

A cutting-edge solution to pavement clutter, the introduction of innovative cross-pavement technology will enable cables to be discreetly laid beneath pavements. This will directly link homes to parked vehicles, allowing more families to benefit from lower domestic electricity tariffs, which could be as low as 2p per mile, regardless of whether they have their own driveway.

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."

The Government is also taking steps to update EV charging signs on major roads. The number of EV charging hubs has more than doubled since the start of 2023, and immediate changes will now allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time.

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.

"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."

Samuel Mather-Holgate from Mather and Murray Financial said: "Until charging is quicker and easier, consumers won't switch in the numbers needed to make a difference, which will incentivise manufacturers."

However, Scott Gallacher of Rowley Turton expressed reservations about the timing due to the current state of public finances: "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?"