Public Charging Standards: What UK Law Requires for Reliability and Maintenance

The UK’s public EV charging landscape is rapidly expanding. According to the government’s EV Infrastructure Strategy, the country needs around 300,000 public charging points by 2030—a massive increase from the approximately 75000 public charging points available at the end of 2024. With one in six new vehicles sold in the UK now being electric, ensuring these public EV charging stations are reliable and transparent about costs has become a national priority.

Setting Standards for Public EV Charging Points

A cornerstone of the legislation is the requirement for all public rapid chargepoints (50 kW and above) to maintain 99% reliability by the end of 2023. To put this in perspective, if a chargepoint is operational for 24 hours a day, it can only be out of service for about 3.7 days per year to meet this standard. This reliability requirement helps ensure that public EV charging stations are as dependable as traditional petrol pumps.

Public EV Charging Cost Transparency

The law now requires clear pricing information at all public charging points. Just as petrol stations must display their prices prominently, charging operators must show their rates before charging begins. This includes:

• The cost per kWh (kilowatt-hour)
• Any connection or parking fees
• Different rates for various charging speeds
• Additional fees for services like contactless payment

Making Price Comparison Easier

To help drivers compare public EV charging costs across different networks, operators must now display prices in a standardised format. According to the Competition and Markets Authority, currently only 9% of public charge points offer contactless payment. The new regulations aim to change this by mandating easier payment methods and clearer pricing, making it simpler for drivers to compare costs between different public charging stations.

Real-Time Information Requirements

Operators must share live data about their public EV charging points, including:

• Current operational status
• Real-time pricing
• Availability
• Charging speeds offered

This information feeds into various apps and websites, allowing drivers to compare both availability and costs before starting their journey.

Smart Charging Integration

The Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan (2023) outlines how future public charging points will integrate smart charging capabilities. This could lead to variable pricing based on demand and grid capacity, potentially offering cheaper rates during off-peak hours—similar to how home energy tariffs often provide lower nighttime rates.

Maintenance and Support Standards

The regulations require operators to provide:

• 24/7 customer support helplines
• Regular maintenance programs
• Quick response times for repairs
• Clear procedures for fault reporting

These requirements ensure that public EV charging stations maintain high service levels, crucial for driver confidence.

Future Developments

The government continues to monitor the public EV charging network’s development, with particular focus on:

• Regional coverage equality
• Pricing fairness
• Payment system accessibility
• Integration of new technologies

For EV drivers, these standards mean greater confidence in finding working charge points and understanding costs upfront. The regulations create a framework where public EV charging becomes as reliable and transparent as traditional refuelling, supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

These comprehensive standards ensure that whether you’re charging at a motorway service station or a local car park, you can expect consistent service levels and clear pricing across all public EV charging points. This standardisation is crucial for making electric vehicle adoption as straightforward as possible for all drivers.