New homes would need electric vehicle charging point under new Welsh Gov proposals

EVERY new house with a parking space would need an electric vehicle charging point, under proposals being considered by Welsh ministers.

It would also apply to buildings which are being converted to residential use.

And the Welsh Government would like housing and commercial developers to provide cable routes for charging points where there are more than 10 parking spaces.

It is preparing to consult on the proposals to help boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure which, along with relatively high purchase costs, are seen as barriers to more uptake of electric cars.

The proposed changes to building regulations are contained in a letter from a Welsh Government transport officer to Gower AM Rebecca Evans, who had been asked by a constituent how electric cars would be powered in the UK if millions of people bought them.

The letter said officials were working with National Grid and network operators to discuss the potential impact of electric vehicles on the grid.

It added: “There are also opportunities for renewable energy as we decarbonise transport.

“New renewable generation in supplying this electricity may well be cheaper than upgrading the grid to import it.”

The transport officer said electric vehicles “have to be manufactured ethically and sustainably”, and also called on the UK Government to continue trying to incentivise people to switch from petrol and diesel to electric.

“The UK Government’s regime of subsidies and vehicle taxes can significantly influence consumer decisions and create a market for electric vehicles,” said the letter.

It also said rail operator Transport for Wales would be rolling out charging infrastructure at station car parks.

The letter said electric vehicle batteries which have reached the end of their life could be used to help store power in buildings.

Cars account for around 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions, and this figure edged up in 2019 despite a rise in electric vehicle sales.

The carbon emission increase was due to more people buying SUVs and fewer people buying new diesel vehicles, which emit less carbon on average than petrol equivalents.

Wireless charging is being explored by the industry, which could one day result in chargers under parking spaces and along sides of roads to top up vehicles on the move.