Chapter 2 – Phase One: using AEV Act powers to develop device-level requirements Scope and application of legislation The consultation proposed that private chargepoints (domestic and some workplace chargepoints), should be smart and meet certain device-level requirements. This would exclude public chargepoints, including on-street chargepoints and destination chargepoints. Respondents had mixed views on this proposal. Those who agreed said that private charging had more potential for smart due to long plug-in times. Some noted that public chargepoints for destination and on-street residential parking could also have high smart potential for the same reason.
There was strong support for mandating that smart public chargepoints should meet device-level requirements, however some noted that the requirements may need to be different than those for private chargepoints. The consultation also proposed that cables containing a smart charging enabling device should be subject to the same requirements as smart chargepoints, many respondents agreed with this approach. Government intends to implement the Phase One legislation broadly in line with its proposed approach. The legislation will apply to private (domestic and workplace) chargepoints for electric cars and vans and will exclude all (both private and public) rapid chargepoints (50 kW or above).
Smart cables will also be required to meet the same device requirements as chargepoints. Public chargepoints that are smart will not be required to meet these device requirements. The AEV Act allows Government to place requirements on both the sale and installation of chargepoints in the UK, however Government will only place requirements on the sale of chargepoints. Given that these regulations are focused on products, it is more appropriate to place requirements on the supply of chargepoints, rather than placing obligations on installers.
Government considers this the most appropriate course of action because domestic charging accounts for a high proportion of EV charging 1 , and smart charging offers greatest benefit in domestic and workplace settings due to long plug-in times. Smart cables are technically similar to private smart chargepoints and hence the same device requirements can be applied to them, whereas some requirements would need to be adapted or changed were they to apply to public chargepoints. However, we do think there could be the opportunity for increased smart charging in public charging settings in the future, particularly where vehicles are parked on-street overnight.
Ongoing work within Government will include consideration of public smart charging potential and any appropriate mitigations for the risks posed by smart 1 https://theicct.org/publications/charging-gap-UK-2020 12