Destination and Revenue-generating Charger Regulation Changes

Simon Blaaser, Head of E-Mobility at SaveMoneyCutCarbon, explains the impact of new regulations on charging of electric vehicles.

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 mark a significant move towards standardising and enhancing the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

The new regulations, brought in under the umbrella of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, should have a big impact on various facets of EV charging, spanning road traffic management and EV infrastructure.

The government says that the new regulations (in force from November 24th 2023), will ensure that prices across charge points are transparent and easy to compare, and that a large proportion of new public chargepoints will have contactless payment options.

EV charging providers will also need to open up their data, so drivers can easily find an available and suitable charge point. The regulations make data for apps, online maps and in-vehicle software, more available so that drivers can find charge points easily, check charging speeds and find out whether they are working and available for use.

Drivers will also be able to contact free 24/7 helplines provided by charge point operators for issues accessing charging on public roads and find transparent, easy-to-compare pricing information, as well as simpler payment methods and more reliable chargepoints.

The regulations, applicable across England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, primarily address electric vehicle infrastructure. Key definitions, including “charge point,” “charge point operator,” and “electric vehicle,” align with the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018. The framework distinguishes between “public charge points” and “workplace charge points,” catering to different usage scenarios.

Data requirements and operational status:

Central to the regulations is the Open Charge Point Interface protocol, version 2.2.1, specifying data requirements. New terms, such as “EVSE” (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) and “EVSE object status,” shed light on operational statuses. Notably, the regulations categorise charge points based on accessibility, differentiating between public and workplace scenarios.

Payment requirements and roaming:

The regulations are designed to speed the evolution of payment methods in EV charging. Charge point operators are mandated to enable contactless payment for new public charge points with a power of 8 kilowatts or above within a year, extending this capability to existing rapid charge points. The introduction of payment roaming provisions further encourages interoperability and competition among charging networks, fostering a user-friendly experience.

Performance requirements:

Part 3 of the regulations emphasises the reliability and user-support aspects of charge point operations. Operators are bound by a 99% reliability requirement for rapid charge points, fostering transparency through publication of compliance information. Regular reporting obligations ensure accountability, with a 24/7 staffed telephone helpline mandated for user assistance, contributing to a dependable charging experience.

Open data sharing:

Part 4 focuses on open public charge point data, mandating operators to hold and share specific data, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Accurate and timely data updates, free public access to critical information, and electronic data provision upon request underscore the commitment to an informed and empowered user experience.

Pricing transparency:

Part 5 prioritises pricing transparency by mandating charge point operators to display the total price for charging in pence per kilowatt hour on the charge point or a separate device. This move aims to prevent unexpected costs and build trust in the pricing structure of public electric vehicle charging points.

Enforcement and periodic review:

Part 6 outlines enforcement mechanisms and periodic reviews, ensuring compliance and ongoing relevance. The Secretary of State is entrusted with enforcement, supported by a systematic review mechanism that evaluates regulatory effectiveness, objectives, and alternative approaches at regular intervals.

Enforcement procedures:

The regulations Schedule outlines robust enforcement procedures, featuring investigatory powers, civil sanctions, enforcement undertakings, and the publication of enforcement actions. Investigatory powers include information notices, entry to premises for compliance checks, and the option of equipment and records seizure.

Civil sanctions encompass compliance notices and penalties, while enforcement undertakings provide a voluntary route for remedy. The publication of enforcement actions enhances transparency. Civil penalties of up to £250,000 may be imposed for breaches.

In conclusion, the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 represent a holistic approach to shaping a standardised, transparent, and user-centric electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK.

By addressing data, payment, performance,and transparency aspects, these regulations set a foundation for sustainable and efficient EV charging, contributing to the broader goals of clean and accessible transportation. All stakeholders will need to fully grasp the intricacies of these regulations to ensure compliance and foster the growth of electric mobility in the United Kingdom.

SaveMoneyCutCarbon offers a full turnkey solution, with EV charging solutions that are designed to be scaled on demand to fit your evolving needs.
To find out more about how to join the EV revolution by installing charging stations at your business, speak to a member of our EV specialist team who will guide you through the process of selecting, installing and integrating EV charging stations at your premises, along with the correct payment systems.