The UK government announced on 21 October 2026 that people no longer need planning permission to install cross-pavement electric vehicle chargers, which run under pavements from homes to parked cars. The Department for Transport said this could save drivers up to £300 on installation and open up home charging for as little as 2p per mile. Changes to permitted development rights also aim to make it quicker and cheaper for charge point operators to install larger, higher-powered public charging hubs.

Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said sales of electric cars rose 36% in September 2026 compared with a year earlier, with nearly 100,000 sold in the month, and that the Electric Car Grant had helped over 190,000 drivers save up to £3,750 off a new EV. Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, welcomed the planning change, citing the group's finding that 60% of petrol and diesel drivers without off-street parking would never consider an EV.

The government also launched two consultations, open until 16 December 2026, on building regulations for charging infrastructure and on expanding charging access for tenants and leaseholders. It said it is considering mandatory requirements for landlords and freeholders over renters' installation applications.