Advancing EVC: Accelerating the Speed of EV Charging with New Laws

New rules are being introduced to enhance transparency in chargepoint pricing, making it easier for consumers to compare costs. Additionally, a significant number of new public chargepoints will offer contactless payment.

Chargepoint operators are now mandated to share their data, allowing drivers to conveniently locate available chargepoints suitable for their needs. This data will be integrated into apps, online maps, and in-vehicle systems, simplifying the process for drivers to find chargepoints, verify their charging speeds, and check their availability.

This development coincides with the country achieving unprecedented growth in its public charging infrastructure, witnessing a 42% increase over the past year.

Jesse Norman, the Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, commented:

These regulations are set to enhance the EV charging experience for countless drivers, aiding them in locating the desired chargepoints, ensuring pricing clarity to facilitate cost comparisons, and modernizing payment methods.

This initiative will ease the transition to electric vehicles for drivers, bolster the economy, and assist the UK in meeting its 2035 objectives.

With the enactment of these regulations, drivers will gain access to round-the-clock helplines for any issues encountered while charging on public roads. Additionally, ChargePoint operators will be required to make ChargePoint data accessible, easing the process of finding available chargers.

James Court, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Association England, stated:

Improvements in reliability, transparent pricing, more straightforward payment methods, and the transformative potential of open data represent a significant advancement for EV drivers. These changes should position the UK as one of the premier locations for charging globally.

As the deployment of charging infrastructure accelerates, these regulations will ensure high standards and place consumer needs at the forefront of this transition.

Following the government’s recent announcement of various initiatives to expedite chargepoint installations through the Plan for Drivers, these regulations align with those efforts. The initiatives include revising the grid connections process for installations and extending chargepoint grants to schools.

The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) is actively engaged with its Members, industry partners, and the Government in supporting Britain's transition to Net Zero Carbon. The ECA provides continuous guidance, technical bulletins, and industry updates to keep its Members updated on the Net Zero transition. More information can be found here.