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The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023: Everything you need to know
Charging operators will have to share information on location, price and availability to help make public charging more accessible
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Last updated on 1 October 2024 | 0 min read
As of November 24, 2023, new government regulations have been implemented to improve the experience of using public electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK. The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are designed to make public charging points more accessible, reliable, and transparent, and to support the growing number of electric drivers.
What do the regulations cover?
The Public Charge Point Regulations are designed to improve the experience at public charging points, making it more consistent and dependable across the board.
Many electric owners will charge their vehicles at home, but those without off-street parking or who are taking long trips will rely on public charge points so a good level of service from those charging points is essential. The new rules focus on four key areas: 1. Locating charge points: Drivers should be able to easily find suitable public charge points that meet their needs. 2. Ease of Payment: The regulations require seamless payment options across all public charge points, reducing the hassle of needing multiple apps or cards. 3. Reliability: Public charge points must meet high reliability standards to ensure they’re functioning when needed. 4. Pricing transparency: Drivers should be able to compare prices across different networks, with all costs clearly displayed.
Many electric owners will charge their vehicles at home, but those without off-street parking or who are taking long trips will rely on public charge points so a good level of service from those charging points is essential. The new rules focus on four key areas: 1. Locating charge points: Drivers should be able to easily find suitable public charge points that meet their needs. 2. Ease of Payment: The regulations require seamless payment options across all public charge points, reducing the hassle of needing multiple apps or cards. 3. Reliability: Public charge points must meet high reliability standards to ensure they’re functioning when needed. 4. Pricing transparency: Drivers should be able to compare prices across different networks, with all costs clearly displayed.
Which charge points are affected?
The regulations are for charge points accessible to the general public. This includes charge points at:
• Publicly-owned car parks and roads. • Privately-owned car parks, such as those at supermarkets, hotels, and service stations. • Residential car parks that aren’t designated for specific households. Charge points that are only for private use, such as those in residential care homes, workplaces not accessible to the public, or exclusive networks for specific vehicle manufacturers, are not covered by these regulations.
• Publicly-owned car parks and roads. • Privately-owned car parks, such as those at supermarkets, hotels, and service stations. • Residential car parks that aren’t designated for specific households. Charge points that are only for private use, such as those in residential care homes, workplaces not accessible to the public, or exclusive networks for specific vehicle manufacturers, are not covered by these regulations.
Reliability requirements
One of the major focuses of the new regulations is reliability. Public charge points, especially rapid chargers (50kW and above), must now be available 99% of the time. This reliability standard is calculated based on the total downtime of charge points across a network over a year.
Reliability is measured through the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), a data protocol that tracks the operational status of individual charging units, or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). If an EVSE is actively charging, available for use, or reserved for a driver, it is considered operational. However, if it’s inoperative, out of order, or blocked, it’s counted as downtime. Charge point operators are expected to maintain their reliability at 99% across their networks. While monthly fluctuations are allowed, operators must meet the 99% threshold over a 12-month period. If they fail to meet this standard, enforcement action could be taken.
Reliability is measured through the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), a data protocol that tracks the operational status of individual charging units, or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). If an EVSE is actively charging, available for use, or reserved for a driver, it is considered operational. However, if it’s inoperative, out of order, or blocked, it’s counted as downtime. Charge point operators are expected to maintain their reliability at 99% across their networks. While monthly fluctuations are allowed, operators must meet the 99% threshold over a 12-month period. If they fail to meet this standard, enforcement action could be taken.
Pricing transparency
Drivers will also benefit from clear and consistent pricing information under the new regulations. The maximum price for a charging session, including any additional fees, must be displayed as pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh). This price cannot increase once the charging session begins, ensuring drivers aren’t hit with unexpected costs.
Operators are allowed to bundle pricing with other services, such as parking, but the price for charging must still be clearly displayed in p/kWh. This can be shown on the charging station itself or through a separate device, such as an app. Importantly, pricing information must be easy to find without requiring users to sign up for an app or subscription.
Operators are allowed to bundle pricing with other services, such as parking, but the price for charging must still be clearly displayed in p/kWh. This can be shown on the charging station itself or through a separate device, such as an app. Importantly, pricing information must be easy to find without requiring users to sign up for an app or subscription.
Improved customer support
Another key aspect of the regulations is the introduction of a 24/7 helpline for public charge points. Charge point operators must provide a free-to-use helpline (via an 0800 number) that offers real-time assistance. This helpline must be available 365 days a year and provide immediate help with issues within the operator's control, such as software problems.
However, operators are not expected to resolve issues outside of their control, such as power outages or providing recovery services for stranded vehicles that have run out of charge. They are also required to submit regular reports to the government confirming that their helplines are functioning and providing the necessary support to drivers.
However, operators are not expected to resolve issues outside of their control, such as power outages or providing recovery services for stranded vehicles that have run out of charge. They are also required to submit regular reports to the government confirming that their helplines are functioning and providing the necessary support to drivers.
Who’s responsible?
The regulations place legal obligations on charge point operators—the individuals or companies responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of public charge points. This could include the owner of a charging point or a third-party company contracted to run it. Operators are required to ensure their charge points meet the new standards, including reliability, payment systems, and customer support.
If a charge point operator is unable to meet the 99% reliability standard due to factors beyond their control (such as severe weather or unforeseen technical issues), they have the opportunity to submit evidence and potentially be exempted from penalties. However, they must maintain transparency in their operations, as any attempts to falsify reliability data could lead to enforcement actions.
If a charge point operator is unable to meet the 99% reliability standard due to factors beyond their control (such as severe weather or unforeseen technical issues), they have the opportunity to submit evidence and potentially be exempted from penalties. However, they must maintain transparency in their operations, as any attempts to falsify reliability data could lead to enforcement actions.
Exemptions
The regulations apply to most public charge points, but there are some exemptions. For instance, micro-businesses that operate public charge points do not have to comply with the pricing requirements. Additionally, charge points exclusively for private use, such as those reserved for specific manufacturers or professions, are also excluded from these rules.
Reporting and enforcement
To ensure compliance, charge point operators are required to provide detailed reports to the government. The first reports are due in December 2024, covering the period from July to September 2024. These reports must confirm that the helpline and reliability standards have been met and provide details of their operations.
Enforcement will be handled proportionately, meaning the government will prioritize action against operators whose charge points are routinely out of order or provide a poor consumer experience. Special attention will be given to underutilized charge points, such as those in rural areas, to ensure they aren’t neglected.
Enforcement will be handled proportionately, meaning the government will prioritize action against operators whose charge points are routinely out of order or provide a poor consumer experience. Special attention will be given to underutilized charge points, such as those in rural areas, to ensure they aren’t neglected.
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