Policy GESP28: Electric Vehicles
Residential and commercial development proposals will include the infrastructure to be ready for electric vehicles (EV-ready), in accordance with the following:
- Each off-highway parking space in new residential developments will be fitted with an electric vehicle charging point or ducted circuit in a suitable position to enable an electric vehicle charging point to be easily installed in the future
- Where residential development only provides parking on highways, a plan will be required, setting out how sufficient charging infrastructure is to be provided and maintained
- Non-residential developments with 10 or more off-highway vehicle parking spaces will include at least 30% with electric vehicle charging points or a proportion equal to electric vehicle market share (whichever is higher at time of reserved matters/full application)
- Developers promoting strategic scale development will work with energy companies to ensure the development of relevant and appropriate and smart energy infrastructure is planned to provide current and future electric vehicle capacity (for example land for sub- stations, energy storage and renewable generation)
- All dwellings with a likely maximum load in excess of 7.5kW will be connected to the grid with a three phase electricity connection, which will extend to electric vehicle charging points, to enable improved management of electricity supply during periods of high demand
- The provision of fast electric vehicle charging points, particularly in highly accessible locations will be supported. New or significantly altered petrol filling stations will include provision of at least 2 fast electric vehicle chargers
- The infrastructure is sited to integrate positively with the built environment and not affect the significance, character, setting or local distinctiveness of a heritage asset
8.31 The government has committed to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 (potentially 2035) and to the UK achieving net-zero carbon emissions by To help attain this goal, large scale take-up of electric vehicles is expected. This would align with the draft GESP vision and efforts to improve air quality. We propose that the GESP should support the proliferation of electric vehicles and their associated infrastructure.
8.32 Part A of draft policy GESP28 requires each new allocated parking space (i.e. those off a highway) to be at least electric vehicle This means that a suitable electrical supply or circuit will need be installed to the parking space during construction, allowing residents to easily install the appropriate charging infrastructure suitable for their vehicle’s needs. Part B requires sufficient provision of charging infrastructure to be identified as a requirement for unallocated on-street parking, to be secured via a parking plan that is agreed with the local planning authority.
8.33 Part C of draft policy GESP28 requires 30% of non-residential parking spaces to include electric vehicle charging This target and the associated threshold of 10 off-highway parking spaces is considered to be suitable and achievable, allowing growth of the EV market without having a disproportionate impact on development viability. Should EV market share rise to higher than 30% during the lifetime of the GESP, at least an additional proportion reflecting the latest market share should be provided.
8.34 Part D of draft policy GESP28 requires developers to engage with appropriate organisations to future-proof development for our future energy This may mean planning for and putting aside appropriate parcels of land for future energy storage and sub-stations to enable future EV capacity.
8.35 Part E of draft policy GESP28 requires electricity grid connections to be “three phase” to enable sufficient capacity (load), flexibility and two-way flows in order to support smart energy management such as vehicle to grid flows at times of peak demand.
8.36 Part F of draft policy GESP28 aids longer distance travel through the Greater Exeter area by supporting the provision of fast electric vehicle charging spaces on the major road network. The creation of such a network will help to dispel ‘range anxiety’ concerns. An electric vehicle fast or rapid charger comprises any charging point which has the capacity to charge a vehicle from flat to 80% in 30 minutes or less.
8.37 The use of electric vehicles will support decarbonisation if they are primarily charged using renewable sources of electricity. However, the increase in electric vehicles may, unless accompanied by sufficient and appropriate smart energy infrastructure, result in electrical supply and capacity issues at peak times. This is recognised as a national issue and draft policies in the climate emergency chapter support the delivery of renewable energy generation as well as energy storage and management infrastructure.