Everything you need to know as new driveway rule affecting UK homes begins

The Government is boosting grants for electric vehicle chargers from £350 to £500 from April 1, 2026, specifically targeting people without driveways who have been deterred from switching to EVs.
Renters, flat owners, landlords, homeowners without driveways and businesses are all eligible for the increased funding. The grant will typically cover half the cost of installing an EV charger at home, or contribute towards alternative solutions like cross-pavement chargers.
Keir Mather, the minister for decarbonisation, said the uplift will “cover almost half the cost of the typical install of a charge point, about 42% of the cost.” He highlighted that home charging costs around 2p per mile, making a London to Birmingham journey equivalent to about £3.50.
The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the move, with policy chair Tina McKenzie noting that 51% of small businesses say more charging infrastructure would incentivise them to switch to electric vehicles.
The National Residential Landlords Association also backed the plans, with chief executive Ben Beadle revealing that almost nine in 10 landlords would install EV charge points if tenants requested them.
Applications can be made through gov.uk when the scheme launches.