As the move towards a cleaner, greener future continues, uptake of electric vehicles is sure to accelerate over the next few years… and, in fact, we’re being given little choice in the matter, with no new diesel or petrol cars or vans to be sold after 2035.
But, of course, for the transition to be successful the necessary infrastructure must be implemented now, which is why buildings regulations were updated a few years ago to ensure that all new-build projects – domestic and commercial alike – provide electrical charging facilities onsite.
In June 2022, Buildings Regulations Part S was enforced, requiring all new homes and existing properties of ten or more dwellings being renovated to have these facilities. Other projects these rules now apply to also include buildings undergoing change of use to dwellings and mixed-use buildings that are either new or undergoing major renovation work.
Naturally, these changes mean that demand for EV charger installation is now at an all-time high and it’s important to factor this into your development plans as early on as possible so you can secure the best rates on the market and avoid potentially expensive delays.
One point to take into consideration is the positioning of these chargers. If your parking spaces are located too far from the power grid, the required cable may be too long to charge the vehicles effectively.
The guidelines advise that the best place for charge points and connections is in the corner of a parking space, or in such a position that all parking spaces can be used to charge cars.
Cable routes need to run from the metered electricity supply point to the connection location and it can be very disruptive to change these routes, which is why it’s important to factor location in as early on as you can.
If you need any help with the planning and installation of these charging points, get in touch with the Complete Utility Services team today.