Electric Vehicle infrastructure

Electric vehicle charging provision in new residential developments

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure project team provides support to other services, including planning.

Planning guidance for new residential developments was recently developed to help developers consider EV infrastructure matters and prepare at an early stage.

Overview

This guidance explains what developers must provide for electric vehicle (EV) charging in new residential developments in Highland. It supports The Highland Council’s EV Infrastructure Vision and values.

Our vision

We aim to:

  • ensure equal access to EV charging for rural and island communities
  • expand EV charging for residents, tourists and visitors
  • support low carbon transport transitions across Highland

Types of EV charging provision

There are two types of EV charging provision:

Active provision

This means fully installed and connected EV charge points that are ready to use.

  • typically 7kW charging units installed for each bay
  • a 7kW dual connector EV charging unit usually installed between two parking spaces
  • allows two vehicles to charge at the same time
  • suitable for overnight charging

Passive provision

This means the infrastructure is in place to allow easy installation of a charge point in the future.

  • includes cabling and power supply
  • for driveways or garages, cabling should reach a suitable point (e.g. backplate in garage or beside driveway)
  • for communal parking, includes ducting and capacity in the electricity network

Passive provision must be clearly marked so it can be easily identified by future users or installers.

Page last modified: 8 September 2025