Electric car charge points coming to all new homes?

England could be the first country in the world to introduce mandatory electric car charging points for newly built homes - which could save drivers £1,000 a year!

In a bid to accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles, all new homes in England will have to be fitted with charge points as the government seeks to accelerate the infrastructure improvements required.

The legislation would be a world first complimenting the wider investment and measures the government has put in place to ensure the UK has one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world – as part of the £1.5 billion Road to Zero Strategy.

If the planned changes to building regulations are approved it will mean that house builders will have to install charge points so that every new homeowner will be able to charge their plug-in hybrids and electric cars outside their own home. For those without off street parking, the Government is researching projects that include wireless charge points and charge points that rise up from the pavement.

What are the benefits of electric cars?

• Motorists could save around £1,000 a year in fuel costs with a home charging point compared to those who rely on public charging facilities (at supermarkets etc.) making charging easier, cheaper and more convenient for drivers.
• Depending on the speed of the charging point and your car's battery, you could be fully charge within 8 hours

Are their discounts available if I change to an electric car?

Yes there are! To get a discount, homeowners must apply through the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. You will qualify if you have off-street parking and you use an OLEV-approved charge point provider.

• The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (often referred to as the OLEV grant) offers drivers a discount on the cost of buying and installing an EV device at home.
• Government has already taken steps to ensure that existing homes are electric-vehicle-ready by providing up to £500 off the costs of installing a charge point at home

Going forward, the government wants to see all newly installed rapid and higher-powered charge-points provide debit or credit card payment by Spring 2020.

In the not too distant future, your home could soon come fully equipped with its very own charger!