From 24 November 2023, charge point operators from UK must comply with strict requirements across four key areas:
- Location and accessibility of chargers: Operators are required to ensure that EV drivers can easily locate charge points using open data and accessible search platforms.
- Ease of payment: New charge points rated at 8kW or more, and existing ones of 50kW or above, must provide contactless payment options. Public charging networks have one year from the date of becoming public to implement this standard.
- Reliability: A 99% reliability rate has been set for rapid charge points, measured as an average across each operator’s network. This measure aims to eliminate one of the primary frustrations for users: non-functional chargers.
- Customer support: All public chargers must offer a free 24/7 telephone helpline to assist drivers in case of issues.
These measures are accompanied by the obligation for operators to submit annual reliability reports to the Secretary of State and enforcement authorities, ensuring greater transparency in managing the charging infrastructure.
Impact on the UK’s Public Charging Infrastructure
The UK Government is striving to create a consistent and positive experience for EV users to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.
Despite the presence of 63,000 charge points across 33,000 locations, most of this infrastructure is designed for passenger cars.
The infrastructure for commercial vehicles, such as vans and electric trucks, remains underdeveloped, presenting a significant challenge for businesses that depend on these vehicles.
Simon Reilly, CEO of Aurora Utilities, highlighted on LinkedIn:
“Collaboration between the government and industry will be essential to create a regulatory framework that supports the zero-emission commercial vehicle market in the UK.”
Reilly further noted that fleet operators often face high costs and complex processes when attempting to install their own EV charging infrastructure.
Fleet Operators and the Challenges Ahead
While the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 represent a significant improvement for private vehicle infrastructure, much remains to be done for commercial fleets.
The current legislation does not directly address the needs of truck and van fleets, which are critical to the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Fleet operators can explore solutions offered by Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) to streamline the connection process for private charging infrastructure. However, this option requires greater governmental support to become financially viable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Looking Ahead: What’s Coming for the UK in 2025?
The new regulations also introduce a second phase of updates to be implemented by 2025. By then, charge points will be required to enable payment through at least one roaming provider, simplifying access to chargers across different networks without the need for multiple apps or accounts.
Additionally, operators will need to notify the government whenever they add or remove payment providers, fostering greater integration and consistency within the charging ecosystem.
The enforcement of the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 marks a significant milestone in the UK’s electrification strategy. EV drivers can now expect substantial improvements in reliability, ease of use, and customer support.
However, as Reilly pointed out:
“The real challenge will be extending these benefits to the commercial sector, where infrastructure and regulations are still lagging behind.”
Successfully implementing this legislation will require collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and fleet operators to ensure the transition to sustainable transportation is inclusive, efficient, and economically viable for all stakeholders involved.
