The new electric vehicle charging regulations for public charge points in the UK are coming into effect in November 2024, and they bring changes every charge point operator (CPO) should know. These regulations focus on making public EV charging more accessible, reliable, and transparent.
- How do we integrate mandatory contactless payments?
- What’s involved in maintaining 99% charger uptime?
- Are we ready for OCPI-compliant data sharing?
At Wevo Energy, we designed our EV charging management platform with these needs in mind.
The Basics of Public EV Charger Regulations
First things first, these new EV charging regulations for public charge points in the UK are all about making life easier for EV drivers using public charging infrastructure. The government wants to boost confidence in the public charging network and make sure it’s reliable, accessible, and user-friendly. Here’s the deal: by November 24, 2024, operators of public charging points will need to make some changes to their publicly accessible charging points. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
Public Charging vs. Smart Charging Regulations
It’s crucial to distinguish between public charging regulations and smart charging regulations in the UK. While this article covers public charging points, smart charging regulations apply to private chargers at homes and workplaces. These focus on grid management and energy efficiency, mandating features like off-peak charging and randomized delays. For details on smart charging rules, see our article on Smart Charging Regulations in the UK. Understanding both sets of regulations is essential for a comprehensive EV charging strategy.
Contactless Payments: A Game-Changer
One of the big changes in the new EV charging regulations is the requirement for contactless payments. Here’s what you need to know:
- All new charge points 8kW and above must offer contactless payment
- Existing rapid and ultra-rapid charge points (50kW and above) also need to add this feature
This is a big win for drivers. No more fumbling with apps or RFID cards – just tap and charge.
Wevo Energy’s platform is designed to integrate with various payment methods, including contactless systems. We can guide you through the process of implementing this feature across your network.
Reliability: The 99% Standard
The new regulations set a high bar for reliability. Rapid charge points (50kW and above) need to be working 99% of the time over a year. Achieving this uptime requires robust technology and regular maintenance.
Wevo Energy’s platform offers robust real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities, allowing you to promptly identify and address any issues with your chargers. Our system provides timely alerts and detailed status reports, enabling your team to efficiently manage maintenance and minimize downtime. By leveraging our comprehensive monitoring tools, you’re well-equipped to meet uptime standards effectively.
24/7 Helpline: Always There for Drivers
Another key requirement is a 24-hour free helpline for drivers. This needs to be available via a free phone number, not just through an app.
We offer 24/7 support for drivers, ensuring assistance is always available when needed. Our system also enables CPOs to generate the required reports in due time, facilitating compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Our maintenance approach aims to identify and address potential issues promptly, helping to minimize disruptions to the charging experience and support customer satisfaction.
Open Data: Sharing is Caring
The new rules require your charge points to have the capability to share certain data. This includes:
- Location
- Power output
- Availability
- Price
This data should be shareable via the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol. While immediate sharing is not mandatory, by November 2025, public charge points will be required to connect to an eMSP (electric Mobility Service Provider) that supports consumers and fleets.
Our platform is fully OCPI-compliant, making it easy for you to share the required data securely and efficiently.
Pricing Transparency: Clear as Day
Drivers need to know exactly what they’re paying for. The new regulations require clear pricing information displayed in pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh).
Wevo Energy’s EV charging management software offers flexible pricing options and clear display of rates and fees, helping you comply with this requirement effortlessly.
What Do These Regulations Mean for You
As a CPO, these new rules might seem daunting. But they’re actually a great opportunity to improve your service and attract more customers. By making charging easier and more reliable, you’re likely to see increased utilisation and happier customers resulting in good reviews. Remember, these EV charger regulations UK are all about creating a better charging experience. By embracing them, you’re positioning yourself as a forward-thinking, customer-focused CPO.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Compliance with these regulations is crucial, as the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is responsible for monitoring compliance and can impose fines of up to £10,000 per non-compliant charge point. This means that for CPOs with multiple charge points, the potential financial impact of non-compliance could be significant. The regulations apply to all public charge points, with some exceptions for charities, ‘micro-businesses’, and government-owned organizations. Given these substantial penalties, it’s essential for CPOs to understand and implement the necessary changes to ensure full compliance with the new regulations.
Beyond Compliance: How Wevo Energy Optimises Your Operations
Staying compliant is just the start. Our comprehensive platform is designed to support regulatory compliance while also providing valuable insights and tools that can help improve your operational efficiency and potentially enhance your ROI. With Wevo Energy as your partner, you’re equipped to adapt seamlessly to new regulations and excel under them. Our EV charging management platform is designed to be flexible and future-proof, ready to adapt to changing regulations and market needs.
Ready to Meet the New Electric Vehicle Charging Regulations?
Let’s explore how Wevo Energy can provide a solution to help you achieve compliance. Speak to one of our specialists today to tailor an EV charging strategy that aligns with your needs and keeps you ahead of regulatory standards.
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