EV Charging Without a Driveway Set to Get Easier
Electric vehicle drivers without private driveways could soon find it easier to access affordable home EV charging, following confirmation that the Government intends to change planning rules for cross-pavement charging solutions in England.
The move could be particularly significant for EV owners who rely on on-street parking, helping more households charge their cars using domestic electricity - rather than depending entirely on public EV charging networks.
In this guide, we discuss the latest information and what this means for EV charging in the UK.
What Are the New EV Charging Planning Rules?
Following a consultation, the Government confirmed in September 2026 that it will move forward with changes to permitted development rights (PDRs) for EV charging infrastructure. Secondary legislation is expected to be laid before Parliament in autumn 2026.
One of the most important changes concerns cross-pavement EV charging solutions.
These systems allow an EV charging cable to safely travel between a property and a vehicle parked on the road, with a solution that can keep the cable contained rather than leaving it trailing across the pavement.
Find out more on GOV UK's official update: Electric vehicle charging: changes to permitted development rights.
Why Does This Matter for EV Drivers Without Driveways?
Home charging is generally one of the most convenient ways to run an electric vehicle, but millions of UK homes don't have access to off-street parking.
Cross-pavement charging could allow more drivers to:
- Charge an EV from home despite parking on the street.
- Access domestic and potentially cheaper off-peak EV electricity tariffs.
- Reduce reliance on more expensive public rapid chargers.
- Avoid running loose charging cables across the pavement.
- Make switching to an electric vehicle more practical.
This means that households able to access low-cost home electricity could run an EV much cheaper, depending on their tariff and vehicle efficiency.
Do You Still Need Council Permission?
These changes do not mean homeowners will simply be able to cut a channel into the pavement themselves.
Local authorities will retain an important role and councils can also refuse a cross-pavement installation where it is unsuitable.
This is particularly important for ensuring pavements remain safe and accessible for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, parents with pushchairs and other pedestrians.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
The Government confirmed its intention to implement the reforms in September, but that does not mean the new rules are already in force.
The next step is for the necessary secondary legislation to be laid before Parliament in autumn 2026, followed by commencement of the amended permitted development rights.
EV owners should therefore check the latest rules with their local authority before arranging an installation.
What Does This Mean for UK EV Charging?
Removing unnecessary planning barriers could be another important step towards making electric vehicle ownership accessible to drivers without private parking.
Cross-pavement solutions won't work for every property, and council approval will still be necessary. However, making them easier to install could give thousands more households access to convenient home charging.
And once you have access to a suitable charging point, you'll need the right cable. EVwired Type 2 EV charging cables are available in multiple lengths, making longer options particularly useful where extra reach is required between your vehicle and charging point.
Enjoyed reading this guide? Discover more on the EVwired Blog.
