The government is set to implement new regulations aimed at enhancing the reliability and convenience of public charge points for electric vehicles (EVs).
Under these regulations, charge points will be required to maintain a 99% reliability rate, and providers failing to meet this standard could face fines of £10,000.
The emphasis of the new Public Charge Point regulations is on both durability and user-friendliness. Charge points will be mandated to provide real-time data on their status, ensuring transparency for EV owners. Additionally, chargers with a capacity exceeding 8kW must offer contactless payment options, further enhancing convenience for users. Customers will also have the freedom to pay through third-party providers.
Ian Johnston, the CEO of Osprey Charging and the head of the charge point industry body, Charge UK, expressed commitment to making the UK a premier destination for EV charging. He welcomed the collaboration with the government to implement these regulations in the coming months, recognizing that consumer confidence in charging infrastructure is crucial for the industry’s success.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), commended the measures aimed at improving the EV charging experience. He emphasized that these regulations address key concerns regarding reliability, interoperability, and pricing transparency, which are crucial for boosting consumer confidence and encouraging EV adoption while reducing emissions. Furthermore, he suggested that the next important step should involve enabling contactless credit or debit card payments at public chargers below 8kW, particularly benefiting EV drivers who rely on on-street and destination charging facilities.
