The Government is pushing ahead with new laws to make charging an electric vehicle easier, quicker and more reliable while also mandating local authorities to introduce charging strategies.

The new laws will make charging an electric vehicle easier, quicker and more reliable

Now approved by MPs, the new regulations announced earlier this year will ensure that prices across charge points are transparent and easy to compare and that a large proportion of new public charge points have contactless payment options.

Providers will also be required to open up their data, so drivers can easily find an available charge point that meets their needs. It will open up data for apps, online maps and in-vehicle software, making it easier for drivers to locate charge points, check their charging speeds and determine whether they are working and available for use.

The announcement follows the commitments in the Government’s recently published Plan for Drivers to put drivers back in the driving seat and boost charge point infrastructure ahead of the ICE ban, now pushed back to 2035.

These measures come after the UK hit the landmark of 50,000 public charge points and ahead of the expected milestone of 100,000 chargers by August 2025.

Jesse Norman, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, said: “Over time, these new regulations will improve EV charging for millions of drivers, helping them find the charge points they want, providing price transparency so that they can compare the cost of different charging options, and updating payment methods.

“They will make the switch to electric easier than ever for drivers, support the economy and help the UK reach its 2035 goals.”

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

James Court, CEO, Electric Vehicle Association England, greeted the new rules, saying: “Better reliability, clearer pricing, easier payments, plus the potentially game-changing opportunities of open data are all a major step forward for EV drivers and should make the UK one of the best places to charge in the world.

“As the rollout of charging infrastructure gathers momentum, these regulations will ensure quality and help put consumers needs at the heart of this transition.”

Government to mandate councils on charging strategies

Local authorities in England will need to produce electric vehicle charging strategies

The Government has also published its response to the Future of Transport Zero Emission Vehicles consultation, confirming its intention to introduce laws to require local transport authorities to produce local charging strategies if they have not done so as part of local transport plans.

The consultation launched late September 2021 and explored several areas, including where the responsibility for installing EV charging infrastructure should fall.

In its response, the Government has now said that it will look to update Local Transport Plans to include the need for local authorities in England to produce electric vehicle charging strategies for their area and ensure provision of charge points, including for council-owned car parks.

It also intends to take powers “when parliamentary time allows” to issue directions to authorities to produce local charging strategies if they have not done so as part of these plans.

Recent research by charge point operator Believ found that more than nine out of 10 (91%) of local authorities do not yet have an EV charging infrastructure strategy in place – with time and money proving the main obstacles.

Earlier this year, the BVRLA warned that local authorities were missing opportunities to shape fleet-friendly EV charging networks by not consulting with local businesses.

The association has developed a pool of resources and guidance to support local authorities and is also encouraging them to sign its ‘Fleet Friendly EV Charging Pledge’ to demonstrate their long-term commitment to cleaner transport.