What Are The Public Charge Point Regulations And How Do They Impact You?
As the UK accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the Public Charge Point Regulations (PCPR) are an important step towards a more reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure.
Introduced to tackle barriers for users, including inconsistent pricing, confusing payment methods, and unreliable charge points, these regulations aim to make public EV charging simpler and more consumer-friendly.
Let’s break down what the Public Charge Point Regulations cover, who they apply to, and what they mean for both drivers and charge point operators.
What Are The Public Charging Regulations In The UK?
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 became enforceable in November 2023, and are part of the UK government’s plan to improve the usability, transparency, and trustworthiness of public EV charge points.
Before these regulations, EV owners faced challenges with being able to consistently access working charge points in the UK. These regulations have had an enormous impact on the user experience for EVs.
They set out new legal requirements that all charge point operators (CPOs) must follow when offering electric vehicle charging services to the public.
These rules apply to any EV charge points that are accessible by the public, whether on public or private land. This includes service stations, retail parks, and council-run car parks.
For drivers, it means more consistency and convenience. For businesses and operators, it means legal obligations to meet new operational and technical standards.
PCPR Key Requirements
Here’s what every EV driver and CPO should know.
Transparent Pricing
CPOs must clearly display the cost of charging in pence per kilowatt-hour (p/kWh). This must be inclusive of any additional fees or subscriptions.
This pricing information must be accessible either on the charge point itself or through a connected app or website.
Contactless Payment Options
To streamline the user experience, all new public charge points with 8kW+ power output, and existing rapid chargers (50kW or more), must offer contactless payment options.
This eliminates the need for multiple apps or registrations, allowing EV drivers to pay using debit/credit cards or mobile wallets with ease.
99% Reliability Standards
Public EV chargers must also now meet a minimum 99% network reliability for rapid charge points, measured annually.
It puts pressure on CPOs to ensure that charging points are operational and gives those new to EVs confidence in the charging network.
24/7 Customer Helpline
Operators are legally required to provide a free, round-the-clock helpline to support drivers with technical issues or charge point malfunctions.
The contact number for this helpline must be clearly visible at all charging locations.
Open Data Access For Users and Developers
CPOs must make real-time data on charger availability and status available via the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI). This data enables apps and navigation tools to show drivers where to find working, available charge points.
Payment Roaming Capability
The regulations promote charging network interoperability, allowing drivers to use different networks via a single payment app or service. The equivalent for petrol vehicles is a fuel card.
This “roaming” feature helps eliminate the need for multiple accounts and streamlines access across the UK.
PCPR Enforcement & Penalties
While the regulations did come into effect in November 2023, certain requirements, such as the provision of contactless payment options and the establishment of 24/7 helplines, had a compliance deadline of 24 November 2024.
This phased approach allowed CPOs time to upgrade their infrastructure and systems accordingly.
In the event of non-compliance, OPSS (The Office for Product Safety and Standards) can serve a compliance notice requiring immediate action. Failure to comply may result in a civil penalty notice being issued.
What Do The Public Charge Point Regulations Mean For EV Owners?
The Public Charge Point Regulations are a sign of the UK's commitment to making EVs more accessible. The move towards a more cohesive and user-centric EV charging network removes barriers and addresses key pain points for users as the national charging infrastructure continues to get stronger.