Earlier this month, UK Government announced a series of measures to support the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
One measure was the announcement of £30m grant funding to help businesses install EV charge points at both private premises and commercial depots – supporting the transition of road freight and coach sectors towards zero emission vehicles, and allowing larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time.
These announcements follow new, expanded Permitted Development (PD) rights coming into force in England at the end of May, meaning more residential or workplace charge points can now be installed without the need for a planning application. Scotland already has similar provisions and Wales has recently closed a consultation on proposed changes to bring its secondary legislation in line.
As it stands, however, many purpose-built EV hubs by Charge Point Operators (CPOs) – including those targeting E-HGV and last-mile delivery fleets – still require planning permission or other approvals. Given the essential role decarbonising the logistics sector will play in moving towards net zero, there is a case for making the planning process more efficient and streamlined for EV hubs.
Rhys Govier, director, Savills Planning, comments:
“The direction of travel for EV continues to be positive, but there are further opportunities to ease the planning requirement and further streamline the process. All nations could initiate further PD rights that would aid the delivery, not only of EV charge points at business premises, but also in the formation of EV hubs. Where planning applications are required, the systems need to operate efficiently and effectively operating a strong presumption in favour of such infrastructure.”
Luisa Mostarda, associate, Savills Energy, Renewables and Infrastructure, said:
“News of further support for the roll-out of infrastructure at depots, supporting a positive transition for freight and logistics sectors, is to be welcomed. The interventions come at a time of unprecedented growth and demand in the sector. We need to ensure access to grant funding is well-utilised and effective.”
Also announced was £25m of funding to local authorities to improve access to on-street charging and £8m of funding to install chargers at NHS sites. These changes sit alongside £650m of grant funding – the Electric Car Grant – available to purchase new zero emission cars and recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which compels large manufacturers to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.
For more information about the EV charging market please see Savills latest spotlight report.