Electric Vehicle Charging Point Guidance

Electric vehicle charging points make it easy for eco-friendly drivers to charge electric cars whilst they are on the go. We understand that tenants will want to charge their electric cars from home. So, we have provided some guidance on installing charging points.

You may be wondering…

Do I need permission to have an electric vehicle charger?

Yes, as Cornwall Council is the property owner you will need their permission. You also need permission if you want to claim for money towards installation costs. You can apply for this through the Government backed Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. You don't need planning permission if you use off street parking. Unless the property is a listed building.

Do I have to have designated off street parking?

Yes, permission will only be granted if you already have a dropped kerb and hardstanding.

What if I live in a flat?

Permission will not be granted if you live in a flat. You need to be legally entitled to a parking space. Charging cables cannot be placed over public land, such as pavements, even temporarily.

Where should I locate the charger?

This might sound obvious, but your car charger needs to be as close to where you normally park your car as possible. The charger cannot face the highway or be within two metres of it. You will need an electricity supply to the location you choose. You must also have a dedicated connection on your home's consumer unit to provide enough power.

They installer may need an update to the consumer unit to accommodate the charger. If so, you must contact Cornwall Council for further advice.

Always check the length of the cable that comes with the charger. Make sure it will reach the charging point on your car. You don't want to be pulling the cable taught or parking your car at an angle to get it to plug in.

Finally, consider where the cable will be while the car is charging. Avoid it trailing across an area where you regularly walk, as it will be a trip hazard, particularly at night.

Is there a size restriction for the charger?

Yes, the charger cannot be larger than 0.2 cubic metres which if it was a box, it would be 20cm x 20cm x 20cm.

Who can install a charger?

Your charging point must only be installed by a skilled person. They must be registered with a Competent Person’s Scheme and authorised by OZEV. Charge point installations must have an RCD built into the unit and be installed under:

• BS EN 61851-1:2019
• The current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations – currently BS 7671:2018+A1:2020
• The recommendations of the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations.
• The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations.
• The installation should consider the requirements of BS 8300:2009+A1:2010. It should also consider the requirements of disabled people.
• The final installation should follow the current edition of the Building Regulations Part P (Electrical Safety – Dwellings).
• Equipment installed should meet the minimum IP ratings set out in BS EN 61851-1:2019 and BS 7671:2018 according to the usage location.

The electrical supply should allow the charging equipment to operate at full capacity. If local supply constraints prevent this, the charging equipment must be classified according to output capacity.

The installers must also notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about the installation.

Full guidance on the process of connecting your electric vehicle is on the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website.

What documentation do I need to provide to the council on completion of work?

When the works are complete, you must provide a copy of the Electrical Installation Certificate to Cornwall Council . You must also provide the make and model of the charger unit and a photo of the installed charging point.

What if I no longer want the charger?

You must remove the charging point as soon as possible. You must reinstate the wall or patch of ground to its previous condition.