A Breakdown of the UK’s New Public Charge Point Regulations

It is generally agreed that the main barrier to the widespread adoption of EVs across the UK is doubts about the reliability of the public EV charging infrastructure. To improve the EV charging experience for drivers across the UK, the government has approved a new set of Public Charge Point Regulations, set to come into force on the 24th of November 2023. All public charge points must comply with these new regulations, helping to provide a positive and consistent charging experience for drivers throughout the UK.

Streamlined Payment Options:

Contactless Payment

For many people, contactless is the preferred method of payment, so it is understandable that this should be provided at charging stations. All new public chargers delivering power at 8kW and above must be able to accept contactless payment methods within one year of the regulations coming into force. The same goes for existing rapid chargers (50kW and above). Making the payment process as simple as possible helps to relieve payment-related concerns drivers have when it comes to EV charging, as they can simply tap and charge.

Payment Roaming

Another regulation that will help to simplify the payment process focuses on payment roaming. Within two years of the regulations coming into force, Public Charge Point Operators (CPOs) must ensure that drivers can pay for their charge using a payment service provided by a third-party roaming provider. To put it simply, this means that drivers can use a single app to pay for their charging sessions across all different charge points, removing the need to make separate accounts depending on the CPO.

Price Transparency

As well as making payment easier, the price for EV charging must be clearly displayed in pence per kilowatt hour, either on the charge point or through a separate device (like a mobile app). CPOs must also ensure the price does not change once the charging session has begun.

Improved Charge Point Reliability:

People want to be able to rely on a charge point working properly when choosing a location to charge up, as it’s frustrating and inconvenient to arrive at a charger that is out of service.

To combat this problem, under the new regulations every public rapid charge point must be 99% reliable during any calendar year, within one year of the regulations coming into force – so people can be sure that they won’t arrive at a charge point that doesn’t work. The goal is for people to be able to use EV charging stations with the same confidence that they currently use petrol stations – without a second thought.

To ensure the accuracy of this statement of reliability, CPOs must submit a report to the Secretary of State for its network of rapid charge points for each calendar year. The report must include the number of charge points on the operator's network, and their reliability expressed as a percentage.

24/7 EV Charging Helpline:

If a driver were to encounter problems with a specific charge point, the new regulations state that all CPOs must provide a free 24/7 helpline, with contact details clearly stated on or near the charge point. The easily accessible helpline will mean drivers can have any charging-related queries promptly answered and continue their charging session or find another charging station if required.

At EVC, the accessibility of our charge points and the customer’s overall charging experience is our top priority, which is why we already include 24/7 customer support with all our charging solutions.

Open Public Charge Point Data:

In line with the new regulations, CPOs must provide the public with data regarding the status of their charge points (whether they are currently working or not), and other valuable information regarding the charge point. Within the next year, information on the following will be provided for all charge points:

• The location
• The type of connector available to charge an EV
• The methods of payment available
• The price in pence per kWh
• The hours that the charger is available for use

This will improve transparency when it comes to EV charging, allowing drivers to more easily work out which charge point best fits their needs. Overall, this will lessen chances for potential problems as it provides drivers with the means to avoid faulty or inactive chargers.

EVC already has a robust action plan underway to meet all the requirements, with our teams working tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for EV drivers. We believe everybody should have access to an EV charge point, and trust that these regulations will play a significant role in improving the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, giving more people the confidence to switch to an EV and supporting the UK’s overall climate goals.

To read the new Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 in full, visit: The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)