Understanding EV Charging Point Regulations: What They Mean for You and Your Business

As the UK moves towards a greener, more sustainable future, the transition from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles (EVs) and electric cars as part of the UK’s shift to zero-emission vehicles has gained significant momentum. To support this transition, the government has introduced a series of regulations aimed at increasing the availability, reliability, and accessibility of electric vehicle charging points. Whether you’re a business owner, property developer, or simply a homeowner with an electric car, it’s crucial to understand how these regulations impact you.

In this blog, we’ll break down the background of charging point regulations in the UK, explain what they mean, and explore key features such as pricing, reliability, and data regulations. We’ll also discuss the risks of non-compliance and why working with a trusted provider like ZOLB EV is the best solution for meeting these requirements.

Background of Charging Point Regulations in the UK

The UK’s move towards electric vehicles is a key part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change. As part of the Road to Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the government has been ramping up the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. The regulations surrounding EV charging points are designed to make charging easier, more accessible, and more reliable.

Key milestones in the development of EV charging point regulations include:

2017: The UK government launched its Road to Zero Strategy, which set out measures to encourage electric vehicle adoption and improve charging infrastructure.

2020: The government introduced new regulations to ensure that all new homes, offices, and buildings with parking spaces have the necessary infrastructure to support EV charging.

2021: The introduction of more detailed rules regarding charging point accessibility, reliability, and payment methods to ensure that charging is convenient for all users, including people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Certain regulations came into force in 2020 and 2021, marking the legal implementation dates for these requirements.

Key Update: 2023 Regulation Changes

As the demand for EVs has continued to rise, the UK government updated its charging point regulations in 2023 to further enhance the EV infrastructure and to support the growing need for accessible and reliable charging stations. The 2023 updates specifically address requirements for new public charge points, ensuring compliance with the latest standards and regulations. The 2023 updates focus on several critical aspects:

1. Expansion of Charging Requirements for New Builds

From 2023 onwards, regulations have been updated to ensure that all new residential buildings (including houses and apartment complexes) with more than 5 parking spaces must have at least one charging point per dwelling.

Developers must obtain building regulations approval before installation and should submit a building notice before specific deadlines to ensure compliance with updated standards.

For new commercial and public sector buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, developers must ensure that at least 1 in 5 parking spaces are fitted with EV charging points. Additionally, provisions for future expansion of charging points must be considered during the initial build, ensuring that electrical infrastructure can accommodate additional charging points as demand grows.

2. Standardisation of Charging Points

The regulations now require that all public charging points must adhere to a standardised connector, known as the Type 2 connector, ensuring interoperability across the country’s charging network. Reference data for each charging station should specify the available connector types, so users can easily identify which charging points are compatible with their vehicles. This change is aimed at simplifying the charging process for users and eliminating confusion about different types of charging connections.

3. Increased Focus on Reliability and Availability

The 2023 update places a stronger emphasis on ensuring that public charging points are operational 99% of the time. Charging point operators must have a clear plan in place for maintenance and repairs. Operators are required to collect and report reliability data to demonstrate compliance with uptime requirements. If a charging point is unavailable for a certain period, operators are required to notify users and provide alternative nearby charging locations.

4. Real-Time Data Reporting

One of the significant updates is the mandatory real-time data reporting for all public and semi-public charging stations. In addition to real-time data, operators must provide reference data—such as connector types, location, and pricing—in a machine-readable format as part of open data requirements. This data includes location, availability, pricing, and operational status of chargers, which must be accessible to both the government and consumers through charging apps and websites. This transparency aims to ensure users can easily find available chargers and assess the cost before they start charging.

5. Pricing Transparency and Caps

As part of the push to make EV charging more consumer-friendly, the 2023 regulations have implemented price caps on charging services. Charging providers must display the cost per kWh (kilowatt-hour) clearly at the point of charging.

Connection fees must be included in the displayed maximum price to ensure full pricing transparency.

Additionally, the government has imposed maximum price limits to avoid exploitative pricing, ensuring that the cost of charging is fair and competitive.

What Do the Regulations Mean?

The regulations surrounding EV charging points aim to create a robust, reliable, and user-friendly charging network. They cover a range of areas, including the installation, pricing, accessibility, and maintenance of public and private charging stations. In particular, the regulations set out specific legal and technical requirements for each ev charge point installed in the UK, ensuring compliance with property ownership laws and smart charging capabilities. Let’s explore what these regulations mean in practice.

Public vs. Non-Public Charging Points

Public Charging Points

These are charging stations that are available for use by the general public. They include street-side chargers, chargers in shopping centres, and chargers at transport hubs like train stations and airports. The 2023 updates ensure that these chargers are standardised, available 99% of the time, and include clear pricing and real-time data for users.

Each site must have at least one charge point with a payment terminal in close proximity, display a helpline number for user support, and ideally support payment through a single app for convenience.

Non-Public Charging Points

These chargers are located on private property and are typically used by residents or employees. This could include chargers installed in homes, office buildings, or private car parks.

When installing an ev home charger, the process can vary depending on whether the property has off street parking or on-street parking. Off street parking usually allows for easier installation, while on-street parking may require additional permissions and could be eligible for specific grants. For higher-powered chargers above 7kW, such as 11kW or 22kW units, upgrading the electricity supply from single phase to three-phase may be necessary, which can involve extra costs and coordination with the DNO.

The regulations for non-public chargers focus on safety, accessibility, and ease of use, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Legal Obligations: Who is Responsible?

The legal obligations of installing and operating EV charging points depend on the type of property and the owner’s role.

Distribution network operators are responsible for assessing and upgrading the distribution network to support new EV charger installations, ensuring sufficient power supply and compliance with regulations.

For Property Developers

Developers of new builds must ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for EV chargers, including installing chargers or providing the ability for future installation. New housing developments with parking spaces are required to provide charging points for each dwelling or at least 1 in 5 spaces for commercial developments.

For Public Charging Point Operators

Businesses that install and operate public charging stations are responsible for ensuring that chargers are functional, well-maintained, and clearly marked with pricing.

Operators must enable contactless payments at both new and existing charge points, support roaming providers for cross-network payments, ensure charge points are connected to online systems, and use devices that display pricing and security information.

They must also comply with the real-time data reporting requirements and ensure the charging infrastructure is accessible and user-friendly.

For Homeowners and Businesses

If you’re a homeowner or a business with private parking and an EV charger, you’re responsible for ensuring your charger is installed correctly, complies with safety regulations, and is accessible to any users, particularly if you’re offering charging facilities to the public.

Smart chargers should maintain their smart functionality even if you change your electricity supplier, ensuring seamless operation and regulatory compliance. Many EV chargepoints may also arrive pre-configured with default charging schedules and smart features to facilitate ease of use.

Key Features of the Regulations

The regulations governing EV charging points cover a number of key areas, which are essential for creating a user-friendly, reliable, and efficient charging network. The regulations also support the deployment of EV charge points and EV technology to promote the adoption of zero emission vehicles. These include:

Pricing Transparency

Regulations stipulate that the pricing for using public charging points must be clear and transparent. Users should know the price per kWh (kilowatt-hour) or per minute before they start charging, and businesses operating charging points must ensure that their pricing models are easy to understand. This helps to build trust among users and avoid unexpected costs.

Pricing may also vary depending on the power output (kW) of the charge point, as higher power chargers can deliver faster charging and may have different cost structures.

Reliability and Maintenance

The 2023 regulations require that all public charging stations maintain a 99% uptime and outline clear maintenance schedules. If a station is out of service, operators must promptly notify users and offer alternative locations.

Help and Support for Users

The regulations mandate that businesses operating charging points provide accessible support for users. This includes clear instructions on how to use the charging stations, as well as contact details for customer service in case of issues. These support features are specifically designed to enhance the charging experience for EV drivers by ensuring reliable assistance and transparent communication. For users with disabilities, the design of charging points must consider accessibility needs, including the height of the charging socket and the space required to access the charger.

Data Regulations

To ensure privacy and security, operators of EV charging points must comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data, such as payment information and usage history, must be handled securely and only for the purposes of providing the service.

Operators must also provide detailed information and additional information about each charging session, including data such as energy flow, duration, and historical charge logs. They may be required to offer more detail on usage statistics to enhance transparency and user understanding.

Reporting and Payment Methods

The regulations require that EV charging point operators offer multiple payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, mobile apps, and contactless payment options. They must report usage data and pricing to relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Additionally, operators are required to report helpline metrics to authorities on a quarterly basis and provide data on the energy supplied during each charging session, ensuring transparency and comprehensive historical charging data.

Charging Points and Accessibility

As electric vehicles become more mainstream, ensuring that charging points are accessible to everyone is a top priority under the latest public charge point regulations. The government recognises that a truly effective EV charging network must cater to all drivers, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. The 2023 Public Charge Point Regulations set out clear expectations for charge point operators to make charging as easy and convenient as possible for every user. This means not only providing more charging points, but also making sure that each charging point is designed and installed with accessibility in mind. By focusing on accessibility, the regulations aim to remove barriers to EV adoption and ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is inclusive for all.

Legal Requirements for Accessible Infrastructure

Compliance with the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 is not optional—charge point operators must meet specific legal requirements to ensure their charging points are accessible. This includes providing accessible payment options, clear pricing, and up-to-date availability data for each public charge point. Operators must also ensure that all charging points are installed and maintained in line with relevant building regulations and electrical installations standards, such as the IET Wiring Regulations.

Meeting these legal requirements is essential for both new and existing charging points. Operators must regularly review their infrastructure to ensure ongoing compliance, as failure to do so can result in penalties and reputational damage. By adhering to these regulations, businesses and operators can provide a reliable, accessible, and legally compliant EV charging network that supports the needs of all electric vehicle drivers.

Risks of Not Following the Regulations

Failure to comply with EV charging point regulations can result in significant consequences:

Government bodies and transmission owners rely on accurate data and compliance to support system planning and regulatory oversight.

Fines and Penalties

Non-compliance with installation or operational requirements can lead to hefty fines. The government has set out clear guidelines, and failure to adhere to these can result in legal action.

Reputational Damage

If your business or development doesn’t provide reliable, accessible charging points, it could damage your reputation, especially as more consumers prioritise sustainability and electric vehicle adoption.

Increased Costs

Non-compliance may also lead to increased costs in the long run, as businesses may be required to retrofit installations or pay for corrective actions after the fact.

Reduced EV Adoption

For property developers, failing to meet charging infrastructure requirements could reduce the attractiveness of your properties to potential buyers. As EV adoption increases, homes and businesses without charging facilities may become less desirable.

Why Choose ZOLB EV?

At ZOLB EV, we specialise in the installation and management of high-quality EV charging stations for public use. Whether you’re a workplace, a housing developer, or are responsible for a commercial site, we can ensure your charging infrastructure is fully compliant with the latest UK regulations, offering you peace of mind and future-proofing your investments.

ZOLB EV solutions support integration with renewable energy sources, help manage grid demand, and provide data on the electricity and energy supplied during charging sessions.

Our services include:

• Full installation of charging points
• Ongoing maintenance and support
• Transparent pricing models
• Compliance with all data protection regulations
• Easy-to-use payment solutions

If you want to make sure your EV charging stations are fully compliant and up to standard, get in touch with ZOLB EV today. We’ll work with you to provide reliable, affordable, and future-ready charging solutions.