The Government wants to make EV chargers mandatory for new homes

If there is one way to improve the UK's electric vehicle charging point infrastructure, it is by making them mandatory for every new home built, which is precisely what the Government is proposing.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling announced the plans as part of a transport revolution called 'Road to Zero', which would also see charging points added to office blocks and car parks.

For those without a driveway, meanwhile, the plan would see chargers added to lamp posts, making on-street battery top-ups possible.

Speaking at the unveiling of the proposal, Grayling said: "We want the UK to become the best country in the world in which to develop and manufacture zero-emission vehicles."

Although the number of new homes built every year is relatively low, it would put the UK in a better position to cope with a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles from the year 2040.

There is, however, a long way to go as hybrid (a combination of combustion and electric power) and all-electric vehicles represent a mere 5.5 per cent of UK sales although the upkeep is growing at a decent pace despite a relative lack of incentives.

Not everyone is pleased about the announcement, however. The Campaign for Better Transport said that, "overall the strategy fails to match the urgency of the situation".

Range anxiety, as it is known, is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for electric vehicles because typically the range is below that of an equivalent petrol or diesel, which are also cheaper to buy on a like for like basis and have more predictable depreciation.

There is also the issue of sourcing the materials needed for electric batteries, which is starting to become a major issue for manufacturers.

"The prize is not just a cleaner and healthier environment, but a UK economy fit for the future and the chance to win a substantial slice of a market estimated to be worth up to £7.6 trillion by 2050," Grayling added.