New UK electric vehicle charging laws have been approved by MPs to make charging infrastructure more accessible and reliable nationwide.
The new regulations will transform UK electric vehicle charging with the aim of not just broadening the country’s charging infrastructure but also incising more motorists to make the switch to electric.
Under the new laws, charging prices will become more transparent, chargepoints will be easier to find, and motorists will have more support.
Jesse Norman, the UK Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, explained the importance of the new measures: “Over time, these new regulations will improve EV charging for millions of drivers, helping them find the chargepoints 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.”
What are the new UK electric vehicle charging laws?
UK electric vehicle charging infrastructure has grown by 42% annually, with the new laws set to increase this even further.
The regulations will ensure that the prices of chargepoints are transparent and easy to compare, with many having contactless payment options.
Providers also must open up their data for apps, online maps, and in-vehicle software so that drivers can easily find chargepoints, assess their availability, and view their charging speeds.
James Court, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Association England, welcomes the new laws: “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.”
The new UK electric vehicle charging regulations will also provide free 24/7 helplines for motorists for any issues they have with accessing chargepoints on public roads.
Government charging incentives
In addition to the new charging legislation, the government is also introducing a range of measures, such as reviewing the grid connection process for installation and extending chargepoint grants for schools through the Plan for Drivers.
The government is also supporting charging infrastructure in local areas, with applications open for the first round of the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure fund. Additionally, the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) is also available for all UK local authorities.
