Smart EV Charging Regulations UK

The UK government has set the minimum standards for home and workplace electric vehicle chargers with The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. 

But what do the requirements entail, and why has this legislation come to light? 

What are the Smart EV Charging Regulations?

With the 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars, the demand for electric vehicle charging and, thus, electricity from the grid is on the rise. 

And while the National Grid has ensured the electricity grid will be able to handle the increase, the new regulations help aid the gradual shift towards complete EV adoption while also protecting consumers. How? Because the smart functionality encourages EV owners to charge during off-peak hours when there is less demand on the grid and more renewable electricity, which also results in cheaper charging sessions.

The legislation covers private home and workplace electric vehicle chargers and smart cables sold in England, Scotland and Wales. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) oversees the compliance of the new legislation to ensure all EV charge point units and installations are safe and meet the minimum requirements.

Key Dates
15th December 2021 The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 was signed in law
30th June 2022 Schedule 1 came into effect
30th December 2022 Schedule 1 Extension came into effect

What is smart electric vehicle charging?

Smart charging functionality involves communication between your EV, your charger and a smartphone app. Typically, this is done via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G mobile connectivity. A ‘dumb’ charger won’t have this functionality, and instead, you’ll only be able to plug in and charge.

smart ev charging regulations uk

Schedule 1 of the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021

The first schedule of the EV smart charging regulations UK came into force on 30th June 2022, with EV charge points needing to be installed with several conditions:

Smart Functionality – The backbone of Schedule 1, smart functionality means your charging unit needs to send and receive information by a communications network.  The charger must also provide demand-side response services and have at least one interface.

Default Off-Peak Charging – Your EV charger will be pre-configured to charge during off-peak hours, which are typically between 8am-10 am and 4pm-10pm on weekdays.

Of course, these default settings can be overridden to suit the individual. However, during these off-peak times, charging will be cheaper, and the energy used by the grid will be cleaner, benefitting consumers, the energy grid, and the planet.

Randomised delay – All charge schedules will be subjected to a randomised delay of up to 10 minutes, either at the start or finish of the session. For example, if you schedule your charging for 3pm, it may not start charging until 3:10. Similarly to Default Off-Peak Charging, you can disable the random delay.

Measuring system – the EV charger must be able to measure or calculate the electricity imported or exported, record charging time, and allow the owner to view the charging information. The consumer should be able to view these charging analytics.

Security – EV chargers must comply with the cyber security standards ETSI EN 303 645, offer software developments and be security tested annually.

Loss of communications network access – if communication between your charger is cut – i.e., your Wi-Fi goes down – your EV charger will continue to charge.

Electricity supplier interoperability – Ensures that smart functionality will remain in place even if the consumer switches electricity suppliers.

Safety provisions – The EV charger must prevent the user from carrying out an operation that could risk the health and safety of a person.

Assurance – When an EV charge point is sold, it must be accompanied by a statement of compliance and a technical file that demonstrates compliance with the new legislation.

Schedule 1 Extension of the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations

The extension of Schedule 1 came into force on December 30th 2022, with the new requirements focusing on cyber security, preventing unwanted network access, hacking and protection of the EV charge point unit itself. The following are the specific additions to the legislation:

Data In order to protect the consumer’s privacy, the new legislation states that all data sent to and from the EV charger must be encrypted. Consumers will be able to delete and manage any data, including personal data, and the data itself will only be kept for 12 months.

Passwords Unique passwords must be introduced for each charger, and must not set by the owner.

Software – The charger must be configured so software can be securely updated, and the consumers can check what software their EV charging point is at and when the next update is due.

Security – Protection against attack is a central part of the new legislation. Chargers must be designed and manufactured to protect the unit from physical damage, including the introduction of a tamper-proof boundary to protect the internal components of the charger. 

SecurityIf there is an attempt to breach the tamper detection mechanism, the charger must notify the owner of said attempt

SecuritySoftware must keep a security log of breaches – or attempted breaches – when the boundary or the unit itself has been tampered with or when someone has gained unauthorised access to the charger.

Does my EV charger comply with the smart EV charging regulations?

If you purchased your EV charger after 30th July 2022 your unit should be by law compliant. Upon purchase, you should have received a statement of compliance and a technical file confirming this compliance.

If you can’t find your statement of compliance, contact the business you purchased the unit from. Legally they are responsible for keeping a record of all sales for up to ten years, so they should be able to offer confirmation. 

In accordance with the law, We Power Your Car always issue a statement of compliance and technical file at the point of purchase.

I had my EV charger installed pre-30th July 2022 – is my charger compliant?

Good news – you are exempt from the Smart Home Charging Regulations. No need to worry about investing in a new charge point, as your charger will continue to work. However, you might miss out on unique smart EV charging features, such as charge scheduling, that may help you charge for cheaper.

If you change your mind and want to purchase a new charger, the new unit must comply with the new requirements.

To read the legislation in full detail, please click here.

Why have smart charging regulations come into force?

As electric vehicle uptake continues to rise, the demand for electricity increases. The new smart charging legislation is set to increase grid stability by reducing congestion – slowly weaning the grid with increasing users rather than having a surge of demand all at once. 

EV charger owners will benefit from the legislation for several reasons. Firstly, due to the increase in product transparency, only high-quality, safe electric vehicle chargers will be available on the market, rather than dumb or counterfeit chargers that may be dangerous or could negatively impact the grid. 

Furthermore, by charging your electric vehicle during off-peak times, you’ll not only charge for cheaper, but you’ll be taking advantage of greener, cleaner energy. Typically, during peak periods, electricity is generated by gas-fired power stations in comparison to off-peak hours when wind and solar energy power the grid. So, by charging during these outside hours, you’ll be taking advantage of more renewable energy sources.

smart ev charging regulations uk

Are the EV chargers at We Power Your Car compliant with the Smart Charge Regulations?

Of course – all the electric vehicles in the We Power Your Car range comply with the smart electric vehicle charging regulations. We only sell the best of the best, and ensuring compliance with all regulations is crucial when deciding which electric vehicle chargers we offer.

Model Smart Regulation Compliant Schedule 1 Smart Regulation Compliant Schedule 1 Extension Learn more
Easee One Yes Yes Find Out More
Ohme Home Pro Yes Yes Find Out More
VCHRGD Seven Yes Yes Find Out More
Ohme ePod Yes Yes Find Out More
evec Yes Yes Find Out More

Are there any exclusions to the smart electric vehicle charging regulations?

  • EV chargers sold in Northern Ireland
  • EV chargers sold before 30th June 2022
  • EV chargers not intended to be used within Great Britain
  • Rapid charge points
  • Non-smart cables
  • Public charge points
  • EV chargers sold by individuals outside of the purposes of their trade, business, craft or profession.

Do I need a Surge Protection Device according to the new Smart Charging Regulations?

No, surge protection devices are not required as part of the Smart EV Charging Regulations. However, according to the 18th Edition Amendment 2 of the Wiring Regulations, all new electrical circuits require SPDs unless the customer opts out. 

View Our Range

View Our Range of Regulation Compliant Home EV Chargers.