Quicker and easier EV charging laws

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【Summary】New laws have been passed to improve the charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the UK. The regulations aim to ensure transparent and comparable pricing across chargepoints, as well as contactless payment options. Providers will also be required to open up their data, making it easier for drivers to find available chargepoints and determine their charging speeds.

FutureCar Staff Oct 25, 2023 4:21 PM PT

New laws aimed at improving the charging experience for drivers of electric vehicles (EV) were approved by MPs last night (October 25).

The new regulations have several goals. Firstly, they aim to ensure that prices across chargepoints are transparent and easy to compare. This will help drivers make informed decisions about where to charge their vehicles. Additionally, the regulations require a large proportion of new public chargepoints to have contactless payment options, making the charging process more convenient for drivers.

Furthermore, the providers of chargepoints will be required to open up their data. This means that drivers will have access to information about available chargepoints, their charging speeds, and whether they are working and available for use. This data will be accessible through apps, online maps, and in-vehicle software, making it easier for drivers to locate chargepoints that meet their needs.

These measures come at a time when the country is experiencing record levels of public charging infrastructure. Jesse Norman, the Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, expressed optimism about the impact of the new regulations. He believes that they will improve the EV charging experience for millions of drivers, making it easier for them to find chargepoints, compare prices, and update payment methods. Norman also highlighted the benefits of these regulations for the economy and the UK's goal of reaching zero emissions by 2035.

Once the regulations come into force, drivers will have access to free 24/7 helplines for any issues accessing charging on public roads. Chargepoint operators will also be required to open up chargepoint data, making it easier for drivers to find available chargers.

James Court, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Association England, praised the new regulations. He believes that they represent a major step forward for EV drivers, offering better reliability, clearer pricing, and easier payments. Court also highlighted the potential of open data to transform the charging experience and make the UK one of the best places to charge electric vehicles.

These new regulations follow the government's recent announcement of measures to speed up the installation of chargepoints through the Plan for Drivers. The government is also actively supporting the rollout of charging infrastructure in local areas. Local authorities can apply for the Local EV Infrastructure fund, which aims to deliver tens of thousands more chargepoints and improve charging availability for drivers without off-street parking. Additionally, the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) is open to all UK local authorities.

The government's commitment to zero emission vehicles by 2035 requires a significant increase in the adoption of electric vehicles. These regulations are targeted at supporting drivers as they make the switch to electric and contribute to the UK's efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.