In 2023, the UK Government announced a series of Public Charge Point Regulations, designed to offer a smoother charging experience for consumers, such as ensuring public chargers are available for drivers to use.
With more regulations implemented for November 2024, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) must ensure all applicable public chargers adhere to these requirements and meet compliance. Otherwise, penalties might ensue.
Fortunately, we’ll break down everything you need to know in this guide, so you can feel prepared for the latest regulation changes.
What do you need to know about the Public Charge Point Regulations?
What are the Public Charge Point Regulations (PCPR) 2023?
Essentially, these regulations are designed to support end-users, such as drivers and consumers. The UK government's introduction of the Public Charging Regulations represents a pivotal step toward standardising and improving the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience nationwide.
Why are the regulations being introduced?
As part of a wider strategy to encourage EV adoption across the UK, for consumers and businesses, the regulations aim to help provide a positive and consistent charging service for drivers across the UK.
Who is affected by the Public Charge Point Regulations?
Businesses that offer public charging to EV drivers must ensure they adhere to Public Charge Point Regulations if their charging estate is applicable. Workplace chargers that also offer their chargers up to the public have a responsibility to ensure they are compliant.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance?
Specifically aimed at ensuring a seamless and consistent charging experience, these regulations are crucial for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and hardware manufacturers, placing the responsibility on them to implement the necessary changes. While this creates both challenges and opportunities for CPOs, the regulations apply to all public charge points, with the exception of those located in workplaces or restricted areas, such as private garages.
How do the Public Charge Point Regulations support Charge Point Operators?
These regulations are designed to ensure a smoother charging experience for drivers, in turn enhancing their satisfaction. Where reliable chargers are available to use, this can encourage more footfall and traffic to local businesses and areas.
Reliability is a key factor for drivers and consumers, but it’s just as important for CPOs. In fact, reliable charging may eventually become synonymous with the business’ brand reputation, driving more consumers to visit and spend their money.
What are the requirements for the Public Charge Point Regulations?
The requirements can be broken down into six areas:
- Transparent pricing
- Contactless payment
- Driver helpline
- Reliability score
- Open data
- Roaming
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Introduced for November 2023, all public chargers are expected to clearly display the maximum price of a charging session in pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh). This can be physically displayed on the charger or on the screen (if it has one). Alternatively, it can be displayed on a separate device, such as an app.
For example, within the Fuuse App, drivers can see tariff information and pricing variations such as peak and off-peak charging before they initiate a charge.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT INTEGRATION BY NOVEMBER 2024
As of 24th November 2024, all new public charge points at 8kW+ and existing rapid chargers of 50kW+ must provide contactless payment terminals, allowing users to pay for their charging session without needing memberships or contracts.
Back-office solutions, like Fuuse’s, support Payter, Ingenico and many other contactless payment terminals. This ensures that CPOs can easily meet the contactless payment requirements, providing a convenient and hassle-free payment experience for EV drivers.
24/7 DRIVER HELPLINE SUPPORT BY NOVEMBER 2024
All public chargers must advertise a free-to-call 24/7 helpline for drivers to use. From 24th November 2024, drivers should be able to contact a helpline for support in the event they experience issues or require assistance with the charger. This regulation aims to enhance the driver experience by ensuring real-time support is always available.
For CPOs, offering this level of support is not just about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about responsibility. By integrating 24/7 helpline support through Fuuse, you can ensure driver satisfaction, protect your brand’s reputation, and avoid costly downtime or customer frustration. In an industry that thrives on reliability, having a fully compliant, effective support system in place is a must. This service goes beyond compliance; it’s an essential step toward providing an exceptional driver experience and safeguarding your network's operational excellence.
RELIABILITY SCORING FOR CHARGE POINT OPERATORS BY NOVEMBER 2024
Starting 24th November 2024, all rapid chargers (with charging speeds of 50kW+) must average a 99% reliability score across the course of a year. This reliability score must also be reported annually.
HOW IS THE RELIABILITY SCORE DETERMINED?
Reliability is determined by the charge point’s status. The status will appear in one of the seven categories:
- Available
- Reserved
- Charging
- Parking
- Inoperative
- Out of Order
- Exempt
Chargers registering as available, reserved, charging, parking or exempt will have a positive impact on the reliability score. Whereas, inoperative or out of order chargers will experience a negative impact.
Charge point operators will be able to record and upload evidence to support exempt chargers, as well as chargers that may be out of order due to issues, like vandalism.
Additionally, operators are required to publish their reliability data on their websites and submit a detailed annual report to the OPSS starting January 2026.
This is more than just ticking a box for November. It’s about equipping CPOs with the tools they need for long-term success in an increasingly demanding industry. Utilising a back-end solution, like Fuuse, CPOs can monitor their reliability score across the year, ensure the right evidence is submitted and meet regulatory standards.
OPEN CHARGE POINT DATA REPORTING BY NOVEMBER 2024
By 24th November 2024, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) must accurately record and report both reference and availability data for each charge point within their network.
- Reference data includes essential details such as location, connector type, payment methods available and pricing.
- Availability data indicates the operational status of the charge points, defined as available, charging, or reserved, and must be updated within 30 seconds of any status change.
CPOs are also required to maintain precise data records and share them with relevant authorities upon request. They must also ensure their data is displayed publicly in a machine-readable format.
For example, CPOs can use Fuuse to generate and copy their Open Data link, ensuring they meet compliance requirements after they share the link on their website.
PAYMENT ROAMING BY NOVEMBER 2025
By 24th November 2025, CPOs must allow drivers to connect via at least one roaming provider, giving EV drivers greater flexibility and access to a larger network of charge points. Additionally, there is a requirement for CPOs to report any new roaming agreements within 28 days, ensuring transparency and compliance.
CPOs can use the Fuuse platform to ensure EV drivers can easily access charge points across the UK, while helping CPOs stay compliant with reporting obligations.
ARE YOU A CPO? FUUSE IS HERE TO HELP: WHAT THE NEW REGULATIONS MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Non-compliance with the UK’s new Public Charge Point Regulations could have serious financial consequences for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). At Fuuse, we’re committed to supporting our customers through these changes, helping them towards compliance. Our team are on hand today to walk you through our offer.
For more information on how Fuuse can support you with the Public Charge Point Regulations, please complete the form below:
