Instead, it is suggesting an infrastructure targeted at frequently used locations, such as supermarkets, shopping centres and public car parks, with a focussed on-street infrastructure designed to cater for residents without off-street parking.

According to the report, the DfT is expecting ‘tens of thousands’ of EVs on UK roads by 2015, growing rapidly by 2020 as manufacturers introduce a wider range of models and prices begin to fall. But, it says, most charging will happen at home, overnight, or in the office.

As such, the proposals suggest new schemes to support charging at the most frequently used locations, including a Permitted Development Right to allow landowners to install points at office and public car parks without applying for planning permission.

Charge point owners could also be able to sell electricity at market rates, with a standardised smartcard system allowing drivers access to the full network.

Details about new installations would also be added to a National Chargepoint Registry, which would include details of 50 planned fast-charge units to allow quick top-ups on longer journeys.