The Welsh Government is mulling over new regulations that would make it compulsory for all new homes, along with properties undergoing redevelopment or change of use, to have electric car charging points installed. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to move Wales towards net zero by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Under the proposed regulations, every new residential building with a parking space within its premises would be mandated to have a charging point. The same requirements would extend to buildings being redeveloped or experiencing significant changes of use. Moreover, the regulations would also encompass new non-residential buildings with over 10 parking spaces, such as supermarkets and offices. These buildings, as well as non-residential properties going through major renovations or change of use with more than 10 parking spaces, would need to have a charge point and cable routes for electric vehicle charging for one in every five spaces.
While the Welsh Government argues that this move will result in cost savings for individuals in the long run, it does acknowledge an additional expense of around £1,000 on the price of a new home. Nonetheless, this cost is still lower than the average of £2,300 if the charging point were to be retrofitted later. There are exceptions to these regulations, including certain listed properties and cases where limited grid capacity and the high cost of infrastructure upgrades could jeopardize developments.
Ifan Glyn, the Federation of Master Builders Cymru Director, has expressed concerns about the impact of transitioning to greener vehicles on housing prices. He highlighted that while mandating the installation of EV charging points could expedite this transition, it would inevitably raise construction costs, potentially affecting housing affordability.
Amid these discussions, Glyn emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure that sustainability efforts do not exacerbate existing affordability challenges. The Welsh Government is currently seeking feedback on these proposals until the end of November. The UK Government has also set new goals, aiming for 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2030, with the vision of a fully emission-free status for all by 2035.
While the consultation report acknowledges potential risks associated with implementing these requirements, it remains optimistic about the increasing uptake of electric vehicles in the coming years. It anticipates that many of the charge points mandated will be utilized within their estimated 15-30 year lifespan. The Welsh Government’s move towards making electric charging points mandatory in new properties marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation in Wales.