New Laws Introduced to Speed Up EV Charging 

In November 2023, new regulations came into force that are set to change how millions of drivers use the UK’s growing n etwork of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. These laws are designed to make charging simpler, quicker, and more reliable — supporting both consumer confidence and the government’s wider net zero targets. 

For electricians, fleet managers, and even homeowners, the new framework has important implications. Understanding these rules will help professionals prepare for a future where EV charging is no longer a niche service but a mainstream part of UK infrastructure. 

What are the new EV charging regulations? 

The Public Charge Point Regulations officially began on 24 November 2023. Their main objective is to ensure that drivers can: 

• Locate the right public charge point for their needs. 

• Pay for charging easily, without needing multiple apps or cards. 

• Trust that chargers are operational and reliable. 

• Compare prices across different networks quickly and transparently. 

The regulations cover several key requirements: 

1. Contactless payment must be available at all new charge points of 8kW and above, and at existing rapid charge points (50kW and above).
   
   
2. Roaming providers must be supported, so that a driver can access multiple networks without creating separate a ccounts for each.
   
   
3. 99% reliability is now mandatory across rapid charge points, backed by clear maintenance responsibilities. 
   
   
4. 24/7 staffed helplines must be offered to give real-time support if problems arise.
   
   
5. Transparent pricing: maximum session costs must be clearly displayed in pence per kWh.
   
   
6. Open data standards (OCPI) must be used, ensuring live availability and pricing information is accurate and accessible across platforms. 

Together, these rules are designed to prevent the frustrations that early EV adopters often reported — broken chargers, confusing payments, and unclear pricing. 

Which chargers are covered? 

The regulations apply to all public charge points, whether they’re located on-street, in supermarket car parks, or at motorway service stations. Even if charging is free, the operator still has to meet requirements around reliability, helplines, and open data. 

They do not apply to: 

• Domestic or workplace-only chargers. 

• Private driveways (including peer-to-peer charging). 

• Car parks reserved exclusively for residents or staff. 

• Care homes and restricted-use residential sites. 

• Dealership forecourts tied to a single manufacturer. 

• Proprietary networks for specific vehicles (e.g. Tesla-only Superchargers, though Tesla has begun opening up some sites). 

The distinction is important for electricians and contractors. A charger installed in a residential setting is not bound by these laws, but a charger installed in a public-facing car park is. Knowing which category applies can help avoid compliance issues. 

Who is responsible for compliance? 

The charge point operator is legally responsible for ensuring that applicable chargers comply. This could be the company that owns the chargers, or in some cases, a third-party operator contracted to run and maintain them. 

Importantly, those not responsible for the day-to-day operation — such as electricians who install equipment or supermarkets displaying their branding — are not considered operators. That said, electricians may still find themselves asked about compliance during installation or maintenance, so a working knowledge of the requirements is useful. 

Why do these changes matter? 

The success of the UK’s electric vehicle transition depends not just on the number of charge points available, but also their quality and accessibility. Drivers need confidence that: 

• Chargers will work when they arrive. 

• They won’t have to download yet another app or carry multiple RFID cards. 

• Prices won’t be hidden behind complicated tariffs. 

The 99% reliability rule, in particular, addresses one of the most common criticisms of the charging network. For context, a motorway service station with 10 rapid chargers will now only be allowed an average of 0.1 chargers out of order at any given time. This creates strong incentives for operators to maintain equipment properly. 

Wider improvements to charging infrastructure 

The Public Charge Point Regulations form part of the government’s broader Plan for Drivers. Alongside the new rules, other initiatives include: 

• Faster grid connections to accelerate charge point installation. 

• Streamlined planning approvals, reducing delays caused by red tape. 

• Funding support for schools to add chargers, encouraging community use. 

• Expanded grant eligibility for businesses and landlords. 

• Safe pavement-crossing guidance, helping homeowners install chargers where off-road parking isn’t available. 

• Myth-busting campaigns to tackle misconceptions about EVs (such as range anxiety or battery lifespan). 

These efforts highlight that EV adoption isn’t just about the vehicles — it’s about building a reliable ecosystem of chargers and services that make the s witch practical. 

Opportunities for electricians 

With more than 1 million fully electric cars and 620,000 plug-in hybrids already on UK roads, demand for installation and maintenance of charge points is only increasing. 

For those considering training, courses like Electrician Courses Telford and Electrician Courses Kidderminster are now including dedicated EV charging modules. These cover: 

• Safe installation in domestic and commercial environments. 

• Load management to avoid over-stressing household circuits. 

• Compliance with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). 

• Integration with renewable energy systems and smart meters. 

For electricians, this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about positioning yourself in a fast-growing part of the industry. As petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out ahead of 2035, homeowners, landlords, and businesses will increasingly seek qualified installers to make the transition smoother. 

What comes next? 

Looking ahead, the EV charging landscape will continue to evolve. Likely developments include: 

• Dynamic pricing, where tariffs change based on grid demand and renewable availability. 

• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging, allowing cars to feed power back into the grid during peak times. 

• Smart charging integration, so that homes with solar panels can prioritise self-generated energy. 

• Regional strategies, where local councils expand public chargers based on commuter and residential needs. 

As with any major infrastructure change, challenges remain. Rural coverage is still patchy, installation costs can be high, and there are ongoing concerns about whether the grid can handle future demand. But with clear regulations now in place, the groundwork is being laid for a more reliable, user-friendly system. 

Learn more with Elec Training 

If you’re an electrician looking to upskill, or a new learner considering a career in EV installations, Elec Training offers specialist c ourses to help you take advantage of this growing market. Explore more here: 

• Asbestos Lesson 1 

• Asbestos Lesson 10 

• Electrician Courses Telford 

• Electrician Courses Kidderminster 

Or visit the Elec Training homepage for the full range of electrical training opportunities. 

1 – What are the Public Charge Point Regulations, and when did they start?

The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, enacted under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, are a set of UK laws aimed at improving the usability, reliability, and accessibility of public EV charging infrastructure by mandating features like transparent pricing, contactless payments, and high uptime standards to build consumer confidence and accelerate EV adoption. They started on 24 November 2023, with phased implementation—e.g., contactless payments for new 8kW+ chargers from November 2024, and full roaming by November 2025. Elec Training views these as pivotal for net-zero, incorporating compliance into its EV charger courses to prepare installers for the evolving landscape. 

2 – Which types of EV chargers are covered by the new laws?

The regulations cover public AC and DC charge points rated 8kW and above, including slow (3-7kW), fast (7-22kW), rapid (50-150kW), and ultra-rapid (>150kW) chargers operated by charge point operators (CPOs), but exclude domestic, workplace-only, or temporary/portable units. This targets ~50,000 public points as of 2025, focusing on fixed installations accessible to the public. Elec Training’s MCS training ensures electricians understand these scopes for compliant public sector projects. 

3 – Do the rules apply to domestic or workplace-only chargers?

No, the rules apply exclusively to public charge points (e.g., on-street, supermarkets, motorway services), not domestic (home) or workplace-only chargers, which fall under separate standards like BS 7671 for private installs without the same payment/reliability mandates. Workplace chargers accessible to visitors may qualify if deemed “public.” Elec Training clarifies this in its domestic EV modules, distinguishing public compliance needs. 

4 – What payment methods must now be available at public charge points?

Public charge points must offer contactless payment (e.g., credit/debit cards, Apple/Google Pay) at all new 8kW+ installations from 24 November 2024, plus roaming access via at least one third-party provider by November 2025, and app/RFID options where feasible—eliminating cash-only or proprietary systems. This standardizes access for ~300,000 points by 2030. Elec Training’s courses include payment integration for CPO compliance. 

5 – What is the new reliability requirement for rapid chargers?

From November 2024, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (50kW+) must achieve 99% uptime (measured over 99% of operational hours), with operators reporting data and facing fines up to £10,000 per non-compliant point—phased to 95% by 2025, aiming to reduce “out-of-order” frustrations. This targets the 20% failure rate plaguing users. Elec Training trains on maintenance to meet these thresholds. 

6 – Are operators required to provide helplines for EV charging support?

Yes, charge point operators (CPOs) must provide a dedicated helpline or support contact (phone/email) for users to report faults, payment issues, or accessibility problems, available during operational hours and displayed at sites—mandatory from November 2023 to enhance user experience. This addresses the 30% of drivers facing unresolved issues. Elec Training includes helpline protocols in installer training for operator roles. 

7 – Who is legally responsible for ensuring a charge point complies with the regulations?

Charge point operators (CPOs) are legally responsible for compliance, including installations, maintenance, and reporting to Ofgem/DfT, with enforcement by local authorities or the CMA imposing fines up to £10,000 per breach—installers must ensure MCS/BS 7671 standards, but ultimate accountability lies with CPOs. Elec Training stresses CPO oversight in its compliance modules. 

8 – How will the rules make pricing more transparent for drivers?

The rules mandate clear, upfront pricing displayed at charge points (e.g., £/kWh, total cost estimates) before starting a session, prohibiting hidden fees and requiring breakdowns for time/kWh rates—effective from November 2023, with roaming ensuring competitive options. This tackles “surprise” bills, boosting trust. Elec Training educates on transparent quoting for installs. 

9 – Why are these changes important for the UK’s EV adoption and net zero goals?

These changes are crucial for EV adoption by addressing “range anxiety” barriers—e.g., unreliable chargers deter 40% of potential buyers—aiming for 300,000 public points by 2030 to support 10 million EVs and net zero by 2050, reducing emissions by 80% in transport. They align with ZEV mandates. Elec Training sees them driving installer demand. 

10 – What opportunities do the new regulations create for electricians and installers?

The regulations create opportunities through mandated upgrades (e.g., contactless retrofits for 50,000+ points), grants for installers via OZEV (£350M pot), and eased planning for new homes (mandatory chargers from 2025), projecting 100,000 jobs and 20% pay boosts. Elec Training’s EV courses certify pros for this growth.