Public Charge Point Regulations Update – November 2024

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are all about making sure that the experience of drivers using public charge points across the UK is “consistent and positive”. The regulations are designed to support the transition to Electric Vehicles and boost confidence in the public charging network. That’s always music to our ears!

Some important updates are coming into effect later in November that will make sure charging is easier for us all. Let’s take a look at what they are and the impact they’ll have, as well as looking to the future.

From November 24th:

1.        Contactless Payments

You’ll be able to just tap to charge, as all new charge points over 8kW, and all existing rapid chargers, will have to offer contactless payment. We know many people will be happy with the choice of waving goodbye to multiple apps, in favour of paying with contactless. It will certainly make it easier to pay, although if you do pay for charging through an app there may be special offers including favourable pricing. That’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

2.        99% Reliability Target

We’ve probably all had the frustration of pitching up to an ‘out of order’ charge point, and reliability has been an issue causing much discussion. From late November, rapid chargers will be required to hit a 99% reliability target. That means more charge points fully operational when you need them, with performance data published online.

3. 24/7 Helpline

Sometimes when using a charge point, help is needed. It could be anything from having difficulties starting a charge, to a charging cable being temporarily stuck! From 24th November, Charge Point Operators will need to provide a freephone 24/7 helpline, to make sure support is only a phone call away.

4. Open Data

We all want stress free road trips, and Open Data is a way of delivering exactly that! From November 24thCharge Point Operators will need to share real-time data on the status and availability of their Charge Points. That means better journey planning is just around the corner.

In the future (24th November 2025)

Roaming

Whilst some CPO’s already support roaming functions across their networks, in just over a year’s time all operators will need to make sure drivers are able to pay through at least one other roaming provider. Again, this will improve the ease of charging which can only be a positive.

Key elements already in place:

Transparent Pricing

The cost of charging is already clearly displayed in p/kWh, so you’ll always know what you’re paying.

To read more about the regulations, you can head to the Government website, here.