EV Charging
New Building Regulations Set to Make EV Chargers a Part of the Furniture
Chloe Sharp
16 February 2023 at 09:21:25
Why is the government introducing these regulations?
It is not new to suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the current climate emergency. The push for rapid decarbonisation can be felt throughout the UK and expands far into the world. Something that many national leaders are trying to tackle through the execution of legislative and regulatory changes. One of the newest to be implemented in the UK being the Part S regulation.
This new regulation specifically aims to tackle the problem of electric vehicle infrastructure we currently have in the UK. Highlighted as one of the greatest problems facing the adoption of electric vehicles, many people have stated increased range anxiety and the inaccessibility of EV charge points as one of their main deterrents against taking the plunge into emission-free transport.
What does this mean for residential property developers?
To ease some of these fears, the Part S regulation makes it mandatory for all new build properties to provide an electric vehicle (EV) charge point for potential residents. It also applies to residential properties undergoing major renovations (that will have more than 10 parking spaces upon completion). Tasking developers to deliver at least one EV charge point per residence as well as the supporting infrastructure to sustain the installation of future charge points. Installing cable routes to all remaining spaces.
In terms of how successful this is in achieving its aims, it is definitely set to increase the accessibility of EV chargers domestically. And measures have been taken to future-proof these developments via cable installation. Hopefully encouraging an uptake in purchases of new electric vehicles. But, since 80% of EV owners already charge their cars at home over night, what does this mean for the day?
Regulations for new non-residential properties.
This brings us to the provisions for non-residential buildings. Like those above, if the building is set to have more than 10 parking spaces, one space must have access to an EV charge point. Cable routes also need to be installed in a minimum of 20% of remaining spaces. If the parking spaces are in a covered garage, consider uncovered spaces first or (if all are covered) cable routes must be installed in 1/5 of spaces. In terms of buildings undergoing renovations, cost of installing charge points and cable routes should not equal more than 7% of the cost of the total renovation.
The addition of this provision is promising as it sets in motion the groundwork for expansion. As well as aiming to tackle the problem faced by many current and prospective EV drivers, of the public lack of infrastructure. Whether this is enough to convince people to make the switch is yet to be seen but hopefully by dipping their toes into the world of EV charging, businesses will be encouraged to join the pledge for a greener future.
