The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled.
We use cookies to make your experience better.To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
In a world first, all new homes and buildings built in England from 2022 will be fitted with charge points for electric cars to cope with the mass adoption of EVs. The government hopes that this groundbreaking legislation will ensure that there are enough charging points in place to support the inevitable surge in demand before the 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars comes in.
Smart chargers to be installed
The rules, which are set to come before parliament later this year, will apply to all new-build homes with off-street parking. Homeowners without off-street parking will have to rely on workplace charge points as well as wireless chargers and charge points that rise up from the pavement, which the government is investing heavily in. The legislation requires that all new EV chargers will be ‘smart’ chargers. They are capable of communicating with cars to let drivers know when the best time to top up their batteries is. That will help drivers optimize their energy consumption and make the best use of peak and off-peak electricity rates.
The current shortage of plug-in points
The large-scale switch to electric vehicles promises to be the biggest revolution in motoring since the first automobile production line started turning back in 1913. However, there have been fears that a growing chasm between the current number of plug-in points and the infrastructure required could delay the move. According to the Zap-Map website, as of 26 October, there are 26,574 charge points across the UK. That’s far short of the 250,000 the Competition and Markets Authority has said will be needed by 2030. There’s currently an average of 500 plug-in points being installed every month in the UK. That’s well below the 700 a day recommended by motoring experts. The Department for Transport hopes that this groundbreaking legislation, which is part of the government’s £1.5 billion Road to Zero strategy, will help to reduce that infrastructure gap.
Drivers to get a discount for charging at unpopular hours
In related EV charging news, the government is looking at incentives that reward drivers for recharging their cars at unpopular hours to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic surges in demand that could lead to power cuts. Experts have warned that the most common time for EV drivers to recharge their cars is just after work. Ministers have suggested that there could be cheaper rates for drivers who pick less popular hours to avoid a surge that could blow the already overburdened National Grid.
Thinking of switching to electric? Then take a look at the Mercedes-Benz EQ range. Alternatively, if you would like to know how we can help you in your switch to electric, fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
