EV charge point operators required to have 99% reliability across charging networks, giving drivers confidence to make the switch to electric
New regulations came into force last month that mandate contactless payment, 24-hour help lines, 99% reliability and more free to access data to help drivers make informed decisions about where and when to charge.
The public charging network is growing significantly year on year, on top of around 1 million domestic and workplace charge points.
Public charging infrastructure is ready to meet the demands of drivers today and in the future.
Rapid charge point operators are now required to have 99 per cent reliability across their electric vehicle charging networks with the introduction of new regulations set to give drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric, according to EV trade group RECHARGE UK.
The second phase of the Public Charge Point regulations 2023 came into force on 24 November, requiring charge point operators who operate public charging infrastructure to meet new and improved regulations that will help improve the experience of drivers using charging infrastructure.
According to Zapmap data, there were around 70,000 public charge points in the UK by the end of October 2024 – with RECHARGE UK welcoming the regulation to improve drivers experience at public charge points.
The UK hit a new electric vehicle (EV) sales record last month, with over 25% of all car registrations in November being electric.
As sales of EVs continue to rise, charge point operators are now required to provide contactless payment on all rapid and ultra rapid charge points (those above 49kW often found at motorway service stations and supermarkets), and on all new charge points of 8kW or more (often found on street nearby a driver’s home).
Drivers will also see an improvement in reliability with rapid charge point operators required to have 99% reliability across their network. This signals a significant commitment by the sector with support of RECHARGE UK and its members who worked with the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) to ensure that drivers have a seamless charging experience, every time.
In the rare instance where a driver may face a problem charging drivers will have access to free to use, 24/7, 365 days a year helplines to quickly resolve (on the whole) most issues a driver may have.
Drivers will also have access to better data to help inform their choice and time of charging with information like opening hours, where a charge point is located, the type of energy that is used to charge a driver’s car e.g. renewable or otherwise, and whether a vehicle can be left to charge beyond opening hours among several other data types.
Matt Adams, Transport Policy Manager for RECHARGE UK said: “These regulations mark a significant step for drivers up and down the country as charging a car will 99% of the time be as uneventful and ordinary as any payment or day to day activity while benefiting from a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.
“We hope these regulations give drivers the confidence to now make the switch to electric when they purchase their next car.”
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