Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as people search for more sustainable forms of transportation. However, there are a number of challenges currently facing the EV charging market including the security of chargers and the effect on the power grid . This is where the new smart charging regulations 2022 come in.
The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Code of Practice (EVSCP) sets out the technical and operational requirements for EVSE that connects to the electricity distribution network in Great Britain. The EVSCP is mandatory and aims to ensure that EV chargers are installed, operated, and maintained safely and efficiently.
Smart charging regulations consist of a number of key elements, including time-of-use (TOU) rates, load management systems, and communication protocols which are outlined below. TOU rates incentivise EV owners to charge their vehicles at times when demand for electricity is lowest by offering lower rates for electricity used during off-peak hours. Load management systems automatically manage the charging of EVs based on the amount of electrcity available on the grid which helps to prevent power shortages and blackouts.
What are the new EV Charger Regulations 2022?
From June 2022, all new EV chargers must feature smart functionality which includes:
- Ability to send and receive information
- Ability to respond to signals to increase the rate of electricty flow or the change the time at which the charger uses electricity
- Demand Side Response Services which helps to maintain balance of the energy grid
- User Interface
From 30th December 2022 Schedule 1 of the new charging regulations comes into effect and means that manufacturers must provide adequate security to protect:
- Passwords
- Communications
- Data Input
- Security Logs
- Cyberattack Protection
- Software Updates
From 30th December 2022 manufacturers are also required to protect against harm or disruption to the electricity system and the charger. Chargers must therefore:
- Have protection against tampering and deliberate damage
- Log if the charger casing has been tampered with
- Be configured to protect the electrical grid from disruption from the charger
- Keep a safety log for all above events
What If I Already Have an EV Charger Installed?
As outlined earlier, the new regulations will help to ensure the safe and effective use of EV chargers at home or in the workplace. However, if you have had an EV charger installed before the date the new regulations came into force, you do not need to replace your unit to a compliant one, the law will only apply to chargers purchased after 30th December 2022. You may have your unit installed later than this date, as long as the purchase was completed before 30th December 2022.
Electricpoint has recently made an application to the OPSS for an enforcement undertaking which means that we are able to continue to sell 30th June 2022 compliant units until either our application is approved and the undertaking ends or if our application is rejected. You can learn more about how our OPSS application allows you to purchase pre 30th December 2022 compliant EV chargers in our blog post.
If you have any questions, would like to take advantage of our Price Promise or perhaps have a large order to place, give our team of professionals a call on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.