This is part of a continuing series on the approach Switch takes to ensure our customers can have peace of mind about EV charging regulations and reap the benefits of state funding programs. The last post was about the US NEVI program which you can read here, in this post we’ll discuss the UK regulations. Be sure to sign up to our newsletter Re:Charged here to not miss any future editions. Let’s get into it!

As of 2023, new regulations have come into effect for public charge points in the UK, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for EV drivers. The regulations apply to any business that is allowing public use of their chargers, even if only part-time. This could mean thousands of businesses in the UK will be requiring regulation compliant software by November 2024.

They mandate features like roaming, contactless payment, uptime thresholds, and customer support. Each area has a start date with most of them coming into effect in November 2024. Note: micro businesses are exempt from all but the pricing requirement.

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Pricing

In effect from 24 November 2023

The maximum price of a charging session must be displayed clearly in pence per kilowatt hour. The price can be displayed either on the charge point or through a separate device.

Pricing requirements are fulfilled automatically by using one of our app store integrations. Switch will communicate pricing to any connected partner for display in the app. Stations with screens can also get pricing information from Switch to display dynamically. If you want to go back to basics you can just print a pricing sticker to attach to the station

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Contactless Payment

In effect from 24 November 2024

New public charge points of 8kW and above and existing charge points of 50 kW and above must offer contactless to consumers.

The Switch App Store allows you to enable integrations with payment providers (such as Paythru and Payter) offering contactless payment as well as App and QR code based payment methods. Frictionless contactless.

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Helpline

In effect from 24 November 2024

A free to use 24/7 staffed telephone helpline must be available and advertised at all charge points.

While some Switch customers prefer their own customer support solutions, not everyone can. This is why Switch offers customer support subscriptions through partners such as EVA Global, seamlessly integrated into the Switch Platform experience.

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99% uptime

In effect from 24 November 2024

Rapid charge points must be 99% reliable, measured as an average across each charge point operator’s rapid network.

Uptime is one of the most important metrics for a successful charge point operator. We are dedicated to maintaining high charger uptime for software issues we can influence, and helping them discover root causes and quickly dispatch maintenance teams for hardware issues.

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Open Data

In effect from 24 November 2024

All data must be accurate and charge point operators must use the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) to hold and open their data

The Switch Open API can be used to provide compliant reporting data to third parties quickly and easily. This uses OCPI 2.2.1, the latest version of the protocol.

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Roaming

In effect from 24 November 2025

Charge point operators must enable consumers to pay through at least one roaming provider at their charge points.

Roaming (the EV word for letting other businesses and drivers access your charge points) is in our DNA! Hubject roaming is available on the Switch App Store today, with other hubs like Gireve and eClearing coming soon. We also offer partnerships with payment app providers like Octopus Electroverse, this is all done through OCPI meaning we can easily integrate new app partners on request.

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Smart Charging

In effect from 30 June 2022

The regulations ensure charge points have smart functionality, allowing the charging of an electric vehicle when there is less demand on the grid, or when more renewable electricity is available.

The electric vehicle smart charge points regulation is specifically for sellers of charge points and essentially ensures that they won’t be a menace to the grid. Check with your charge point distributor whether they are compliant with this. Any charge point on OCPP will work seamlessly with the Switch Platform so once you have a compliant smart charger you can be sure it will work with Switch like a charm!

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The Switch Advantage

Going beyond just meeting regulations, Switch helps your business thrive

• Effortless Integration: Switch integrates seamlessly with existing charging infrastructure with support for all OCPP versions, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.
• Future-Proof Technology: Our platform is built with cutting-edge technology, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
• Expert Support: Our dedicated team provides ongoing support and guidance, helping you navigate regulatory changes and optimize your operations.

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Make the Switch today

Partner with Switch today and unlock the full potential of public EV charging in the UK. We'll help you ensure compliance, maximize profitability, and deliver a superior charging experience for EV drivers.