Prioritizing EV Charging in the Planning System

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Autumn Statement has provided a significant boost to the electric vehicle (EV) market, with £2bn of investment and a commitment to reform the planning system to prioritize the roll-out of charge points. The Treasury has confirmed plans to amend the National Planning Policy Framework in order to ensure that the planning system gives priority to the installation of EV chargepoints, including the creation of EV charging hubs.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, speaking in the House of Commons, has also pledged £4.5bn from 2025 for five years to support "strategic manufacturing" sectors, which includes zero-emission vehicles. Out of this total, £2bn will be made available for the automotive sector to support the manufacturing and development of zero-emission vehicles, their batteries, and the supply chain.

In addition, the aerospace sector will receive £975m to support the development of energy-efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology, while £960m has been allocated to green industries to enhance clean energy manufacturing capacity. The remaining £520m will be used for life sciences.

According to Treasury officials, the government aims to provide more certainty for investors in low-carbon infrastructure by extending the critical national priority designation for nationally significant low-carbon energy projects. Additionally, the government plans to accelerate the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in order to remove unnecessary planning constraints.

The officials also stated that, in conjunction with existing manufacturing support and decarbonization plans, the new funding streams for strategic manufacturing will help level up communities across the country by creating higher-paid jobs, improving the UK's energy security, and fostering the growth of future industries.

FutureCar Staff