EV smart charge points regulations 2021

Contrary to the title, the regulations came into force on 30th June 2022, with the security requirements set out in Schedule 1 of the regulations coming into force on 30th December 2022.

What are they?

Regs state that charge points sold for private charging of EV’s must meet certain requirements, including:

• Smart functionality – able to send and receive data with the ability to respond to communications signals to increase the rate or time at which electricity flows, demand side response services and a user interface.
• Interoperability between suppliers – meaning the charge point retains its smart functionality if the homeowner changes electricity supplier.
• Continued charging – even if the charge point fails to connect to a communications network.
• Safety – prevents the user from carrying out an operation which could risk their health or safety.
• Measuring system – measure or calculate the electricity imported or exported and the time the charging session lasts, with the owner having access to this information.
• Security – requirements consistent with existing cyber security standard ETSI EN 303 645.

Charge points must also have…

An incorporated pre-set, off peak, default charging hours and give the owner the choice to accept, remove or amend these hours on first use and also allow for a randomised delay function.

But why have they been introduced and in whose interest are they?

The regulations have been introduced to allow charging of EV’s when there is less demand on the electricity grid, and/or when there is a higher % of renewable electricity in the mix.

By minimising peak demand, it ensures EV adoption can continue to grow and that our energy system remains stable.

Can you imagine if all the EV’s in the UK clicked on to charge all at 12am or 1am, it would create a huge surge, the same if everyone returned home from work and plugged in at 6pm whilst demand is high from cooking, washing and watching TV etc.

This benefits generators, distributors, suppliers and consumers alike.

The regulations covered in schedule 1 have provided additional physical and digital security meaning EV owners can be confident they and their data is safe when charging.