The UK government has unveiled the new Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 that will boost EV charging network reliability and user experience

This regulation, set to be introduced in the coming months, aims to address key issues within the industry and promote the widespread adoption of EVs by mandating a 99% reliability rate and real-time status updates for the country’s rapid charging network.

Julian Skidmore, a senior firmware engineer at Versinetic, an EV charging consultancy, shares his insights on the new rules, highlighting the pros and cons from both end-users and industry perspectives.

Julian Skidmore, a senior firmware engineer at Versinetic

Enhancing reliability and convenience

The primary benefit of the new legislation is its emphasis on reliability. With a 99% reliability rate requirement, EV drivers can expect a more dependable charging experience, instilling greater confidence in the use of electric vehicles. This reliability factor is crucial to overcoming range anxiety, a major concern for potential EV owners.

However, the 8kW threshold for contactless payments mean continued inconvenience for users relying on 7kW destination chargers. Despite this, maintaining lower costs for the industry could translate into more affordable charging options overall, further incentivising the adoption of electric vehicles.

Simplifying user experience

There are concerns regarding the requirement for users to access multiple apps for charging, rather than having a streamlined experience through a single app. We believe the regulations should address this issue and ensure that EV drivers have a user-friendly and convenient charging process. Additionally, while the new rules advocate for paying via a third party, there is no specific mention of the need for a single app to simplify the process for users.

Transparent pricing and charging rates

To foster trust and transparency, the regulations propose displaying the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for charging. At Versinetic, we commend this measure as it allows users to make informed decisions and ensures honesty in pricing. However, there is a need to regulate charging rates to prevent exorbitant costs. Charging rates should always remain comparable to or cheaper than traditional petrol costs per kilometre, ensuring that EVs remain an economical choice for consumers.

Certification and live information

We suggesta that certifying chargers to charge at the advertised rates is equally significant. This certification should be accompanied by live information on charging rates to assist drivers in choosing the most suitable charging station. If drivers can access real-time data on charging limitations at specific stations, they can make informed decisions and avoid wasting time at less-than-ideal charging points. This feature would enhance the overall user experience and reduce frustration.

Ensuring quality service

An alternative approach to fines for companies failing to meet requirements is required. Rather than punitive measures, an approach is the establishment of approved, third-party maintenance companies – potentially even nationalised – which charging companies would be required to sponsor. This model would ensure that users receive a reliable and efficient service, while charging companies would be incentivised to maintain high standards.

24/7 customer support

Given that most charging points are unmanned, accessible customer support is important. We recommend pooling resources to provide 24/7 customer support, thereby maximising efficiency and ensuring prompt assistance for users. While training challenges may arise, the provision of comprehensive customer support would contribute to a seamless charging experience and further boost consumer confidence.

Government responsibility and funding

The Government’s role in providing clear guidance is key. It’s their responsibility to save money for charging companies by avoiding ambiguity and providing clearer directives. Government funding is both welcome and necessary to facilitate the implementation of the new regulations and support the development of a robust charging infrastructure nationwide.

The UK government’s forthcoming regulation for the electric vehicle charging network marks a significant step toward enhancing reliability, convenience and user experience. By mandating a 99% reliability rate and real-time status updates, the regulations address crucial concerns within the industry and promote the wider adoption of EVs.

While here some potential challenges and areas for improvement have been highlighted, the overall impact of these regulations is expected to be positive, encouraging the growth of a reliable and user-friendly EV charging network across the country.