Driveway rule change will allow millions to benefit from technology

Motoristsare being informed about a new regulation concerning drivewaysthat will impact anyone relocating.

House hunters can now search for available homes that include electric vehicle (EV) charging points. These are usually located on driveways or streets adjacent to properties.

It represents a significant shift aimed at assisting drivers and improving electric vehicle accessibility, in preparation for the 2030 prohibition on new petrol and diesel vehicles. This follows research by Zoopla revealing that merely 1.6% of property advertisements specifically reference EV charging facilities, and comes after news that 'anyone buying fuel next week given '£15 charge' warning by The AA'.

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Chronicle Live reports that Vauxhall and the property platform have now partnered to enable prospective buyers and tenants to locate the closest street charging stations to any given property. This development coincides with the Government's announcement that motorists can receive a £1,500 reduction on electric car models.

Studies conducted by Vauxhall discovered that 40 percent of drivers consider proximity to EV charging infrastructure will influence their next home purchase decision.

Steve Catlin, managing director at Vauxhall, commented: "Moving house is one of the biggest decisions most of us make in our lifetime, and anyone who's done it knows how much effort can go into finding the perfect home".

Steve added: "As EVs become an even more common sight on our roads, more and more people will be prioritising charging access when thinking about where to live. Whether charging at home or on-street, we hope the features we have worked with Zoopla to introduce go some way to make decisions around buying and renting a new home that little bit easier for millionsacross the country."

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: "Buyer requirements are constantly evolving as a result of factors like lifestyle changes and commuting patterns. By improving Zoopla's search functionality, our aim is that we will empower more confident moving decisions, particularly for current and future EV owners".

This week, it was confirmed that four electric car models will be eligible for new Government grants. Motoristswill be able to slash £1,500 off the purchase of new Citroen e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo vehicles, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced.

These are the first models approved under the new £650 million electric car grant and the reduction will be automatically deducted at the point of sale. This will allow drivers purchasing a new electric car to save either £1,500 or £3,750, depending on sustainability criteria. It is hoped the measure will encourage more drivers to switch to electric motoring.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced: "With the first four models approved today, and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we're making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.

"We're delivering our plan for change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people's pockets".