New measures announced to improve public EV charging
17/01/2025
The UK Department for Transport has introduced three significant measures designed to simplify and speed up the deployment of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The changes, expected to take effect later this year, are the result of collaborative efforts between Osprey Charging, ChargeUK, and government officials to address administrative and logistical barriers.
One of the key measures focuses on improving the efficiency of grid connections. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will be required to follow new best practice guidelines that clarify roles and responsibilities. To ensure these improvements are implemented effectively, Ofgem will lead a quarterly working group to oversee progress.
Planning reforms have also been announced to streamline the installation of EV charging infrastructure. The changes will expand permitted development rights, allowing for taller equipment to be placed closer to roads and simplifying the process of installing electrical housing. These reforms aim to align more closely with Scotland’s model, where planning permission is not required for new substations dedicated to EV charging.
Additionally, highway works will become more efficient under the new measures. Charge point operators (CPOs) will now be included in the street works permitting scheme, allowing them to obtain permits instead of licenses for street works. Operators will also gain access to Street Manager, a tool that streamlines permit applications and provides visibility of ongoing works to improve coordination.
These measures stem from months of collaboration between Osprey Charging, ChargeUK, and government stakeholders. Osprey’s operations director, Lewis Gardiner, played a pivotal role in presenting practical solutions and real-world case studies that highlighted the delays caused by unnecessary procedures. This input was instrumental in shaping the announced reforms.
While the measures promise to reduce administrative hurdles and accelerate deployment timelines, parts of the reforms will require primary legislation changes and cooperation from third-party permitting organizations. There are also concerns about the lack of specific details regarding implementation and enforcement.
Despite these challenges, Osprey Charging has expressed its full support for the measures, emphasising their potential to ease operations for charge point operators, local planning departments, highway authorities, and DNOs. If successfully implemented, the reforms are expected to have a noticeable impact on the deployment of EV charging infrastructure by late 2025.
One of the key measures focuses on improving the efficiency of grid connections. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will be required to follow new best practice guidelines that clarify roles and responsibilities. To ensure these improvements are implemented effectively, Ofgem will lead a quarterly working group to oversee progress.
Planning reforms have also been announced to streamline the installation of EV charging infrastructure. The changes will expand permitted development rights, allowing for taller equipment to be placed closer to roads and simplifying the process of installing electrical housing. These reforms aim to align more closely with Scotland’s model, where planning permission is not required for new substations dedicated to EV charging.
Additionally, highway works will become more efficient under the new measures. Charge point operators (CPOs) will now be included in the street works permitting scheme, allowing them to obtain permits instead of licenses for street works. Operators will also gain access to Street Manager, a tool that streamlines permit applications and provides visibility of ongoing works to improve coordination.
These measures stem from months of collaboration between Osprey Charging, ChargeUK, and government stakeholders. Osprey’s operations director, Lewis Gardiner, played a pivotal role in presenting practical solutions and real-world case studies that highlighted the delays caused by unnecessary procedures. This input was instrumental in shaping the announced reforms.
While the measures promise to reduce administrative hurdles and accelerate deployment timelines, parts of the reforms will require primary legislation changes and cooperation from third-party permitting organizations. There are also concerns about the lack of specific details regarding implementation and enforcement.
Despite these challenges, Osprey Charging has expressed its full support for the measures, emphasising their potential to ease operations for charge point operators, local planning departments, highway authorities, and DNOs. If successfully implemented, the reforms are expected to have a noticeable impact on the deployment of EV charging infrastructure by late 2025.