This week, the PM announced that we are publishing details of new regulations to support the transition to electric vehicles. Following on from the UK’s global leadership at COP26 and the publication of the Government’s Net Zero Strategy, this is another really clear sign of our commitment to decarbonising our transport sector – which accounted for 27% of the UK’s total emissions in 2019 – is a priority and electric vehicles are a key part of the solution, and I know constituents will be pleased to see this latest announcement.
We are introducing new regulations which will mean all new homes and non-residential buildings, and those that undergo major renovation, will be required to have a charge point installed. This will ensure people buying or renting new homes can start every day with a fully charged vehicle, and give electric vehicle drivers who do not have access to off-street parking the ability to charge conveniently as they go about their lives at new offices and shops. These world-leading regulations will see the installation of hundreds of thousands of extra charge points ahead of the 2030 phase out date of petrol and diesel cars and vans, boosting green jobs across the country. I have been informed that regulations will be laid out in December and come into force mid-2022.
Additionally, the Government will regulate the charge point sector in order to simplify the driver experience, ensuring all new fast and rapid charge points have simpler ways to pay, such as contactless, as well as making sure charge points are interoperable and reliable, and that prices are clear upfront. This will be supported by new requirements to open electric vehicle charge point data, which will allow people to easily find a charge point when they need one.
These measures will help make it easier, simpler and cheaper for people to go electric, and I am looking forward to seeing these regulations in the weeks and months ahead.
