Electric Vehicle Charge Point Requirements

What This Requirement Covers

Approved Document S (Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles) came into force on 15 June 2022. It requires the provision of electric vehicle charge points and cable routes in new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation. The requirements apply to both residential and non-domestic buildings.

Key Requirements

New Residential Buildings

1. Every new dwelling with an associated parking space must have an EV charge point installed
2. The charge point must have a minimum rated output of 7 kW (single phase, 32 amp)
3. The charge point must be fitted with a universal socket or tethered cable compatible with all current EVs
4. The charge point must be smart (capable of sending and receiving data, including responding to signals to optimise energy use)
5. Where there is no associated parking space, cable routes must be provided to enable future installation

New Non-Domestic Buildings with More Than 10 Parking Spaces

1. A minimum of one EV charge point per parking space for at least one in five spaces (i.e., 20% of spaces)
2. Cable routes must be provided for every remaining parking space
3. The charge points must have a minimum rated output of 7 kW

Existing Non-Domestic Buildings Undergoing Major Renovation

1. Where the building has more than 10 parking spaces and the cost of EV charge point installation does not exceed 7% of the total renovation cost:

- At least one charge point must be installed - Cable routes must be provided for one in five parking spaces

Residential Buildings with More Than 10 Parking Spaces (Flats)

1. At least one charge point per dwelling that has an associated parking space
2. Cable routes for every remaining parking space

Cable Routes

1. A cable route is a conduit or containment system capable of accommodating an EV charging cable from the electrical distribution board to the parking space
2. The cable route must be at least 32 mm internal diameter (or equivalent)
3. The electrical supply must be capable of supporting the future installation of a 7 kW charge point

Exemptions

1. Where the cost of grid connection or supply upgrade for EV charging exceeds a prescribed cap
2. Where the building is not connected to the electricity grid
3. Listed buildings and scheduled monuments where installation would unacceptably alter the historic character

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Plan the electrical capacity for EV charging at the design stage; a 7 kW charge point requires a dedicated 32 amp circuit
2. For developments with multiple charge points, consider a load management system to avoid exceeding the available electrical supply capacity
3. Specify smart charge points that can be remotely managed and integrated with the building's energy management system
4. For blocks of flats, coordinate charge point locations with the car park layout and the electrical distribution board location
5. Cable routes are much cheaper to install during construction than to retrofit; ensure they are provided even where charge points are not immediately required
6. Check whether the local electricity distribution network has capacity for the proposed EV charging load; a supply upgrade may be needed
7. Keep installation certificates and charge point specifications for Building Control sign-off