From the 1st of July 2022, there are new rules in place regarding EV chargers that all UK motorists must adhere to. In this article, we explain what you need to know about EV chargers and what you need to look for before ensuring your charger is compliant with UK law.
Smart charging capability
The UK government has announced that all EV chargers must now be equipped with smart charging capability. Therefore, anyone buying an electric vehicle from this month onward should ensure that their charger meets these latest requirements. Motorists can be easily caught out if they don’t know what to look for in an EV charger, so understanding the law ahead of your purchase is crucial.
Retail compliance
Although retailers are now only legally permitted to sell EV chargers with smart charging capability, it’s likely that some will continue selling older chargers, particularly throughout this summer. Therefore, when you’re buying an EV charger online or from a non-official channel, you need to check whether the charger meets the latest requirements. You can request to see the retailer’s Statement of Compliance before buying the charger.
What is smart charging capability?
The new regulations mean that all electric vehicle charges must be equipped with smart charging capability. This means that they should come with a data connection and be able to measure and transmit data to enable drivers to see their charging history. The new regulations have been designed to support the National Grid to adapt to the new demands on electricity posted by EVs.
The smart charging capability will also encourage EV owners to move to smarter tariffs, which are designed to help them save money and reduce the pressure on the grid. Ultimately, it’s part of the government’s plan to encourage people to avoid charging their vehicles during peak hours. As is the case with smart meters, smart EV chargers also enable you to manage your EV charging remotely, which is particularly useful when you’re charging your vehicle at work.
So, if you’re currently in the market for an electric vehicle or are looking to upgrade your charging this summer, make sure you buy a smart charger that is compliant with the latest regulations set out by the UK government.
You can read the full legislation relating to smart EV chargers in the UK here.
