We knew that the day was coming, but what constitutes the new smart charging regulations? We discuss the new legislation with Zak Lee, Head of Technical at Sevadis.
The UK is experiencing a surge in the registration of electrified transport, whether that be for personal or professional purposes. Most electric vehicle drivers recharge their vehicles at multiple destinations; the home, the workplace and the public environment.
However, there is concern about whether the grid can essentially ‘cope’ with the increasing demand and that’s why The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 has been introduced. Charging points sold in the UK for private use (domestic) face regulations to support managing the growth in electricity demand as a result of the EV revolution.
The regulations are in place to ensure that EV charging points possess ‘smart’ functionalities, enabling EVs to recharge when there is less demand on the grid, or when more renewable and cleaner electricity is available.
In addition to this, the regulations are implemented to ensure that charging points meet specific device-level requirements, providing a minimum level of access, security and information for customers of the charging points.
What does this mean for EV charging point installers? As of 30th June, all charging points installed for private purposes must adhere to the smart charging regulations. This doesn’t apply to installations that have commenced or been completed before the date of the regulation’s implementation.
Charging points must have the following capabilities to comply with the regulations:
Smart functionality
Charging points must be equipped with smart functionality to send and receive information, the ability to respond to signals to increase the rate or time at which electricity flows through the charging point, demand side response services and a user interface, for example, an App for charging.
Electricity supplier interoperability
Charging points must retain smart functionality, even if the owner of the charging point decides to switch their electricity supplier.
Continued charging
Charging points must be able to continue charging the electric vehicle even if the charging point ceases to be connected to a communications network.
Safety provisions
Charging points must be equipped with safety provisions in order to prevent the user carrying out an operation which could risk the health or safety of the user.
A measuring system
Charging points must have a measuring system in place to calculate the electricity imported and exported and the time the charging lasts. This information must be visible to the owner of the charging point.
Security
Charging points must be consistent with the existing cyber security standard ETSI EN 303 645. Charging points must also incorporate pre-set, off-peak, default charging hours, while allowing the owner to accept, remove or change these upon use.
The regulations also state that all charging points must allow for a randomised delay function.
The implementation of the smart charging regulations has been a long time coming; standardisation of EV charging points is crucial for the roll-out of the nation’s EV charging network.
At Sevadis, all of our charging points are compliant to the new regulations, ensuring electrical professionials can offer reliable charging solutions to customers.
To browse the Sevadis range of charging solutions, click here
