New EV Smart Charging Regulations (01/07/2022)

As part of the Government's Net Zero Emissions Target by 2050:

• All cars and vans must be fully zero-emission by 2035, leading to a significant increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and higher demand on the electrical system.
• New regulations, effective from June 30, 2022, support the transition to EVs and aim to create a greener, smarter energy system.
• Additional security requirements, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the regulations, will take effect from December 20, 2022.

This article covers the new charging regulations relevant to EV drivers and installers.

Off-Peak Charging:

• New charge points will default to off-peak charging, promoting environmentally-friendly charging practices and helping drivers save with lower energy rates while supporting grid balance.
• Charge points must:
  • Include pre-set default charging hours outside of peak times.
  • Allow users, at first use, to:
    • Accept, remove, or set different charging hours.
  • Allow users, at any time, to:
    • Change or remove default charging hours.
    • Set default hours if none are in effect.
  • Enable the owner to override default charging and demand-side response (DSR) services.

Exceptions apply if:

• The charging point is sold with a DSR agreement and is configured to comply with the agreement's requirements.
• The DSR agreement details are included in the compliance statement.

What does this mean for EV users?

• For Electric Miles Users:
  • Add or register a charger and choose to accept, remove, or change the default charging hours.
  • Modify charging preferences in the Charger Settings.
  • Override any configurations set under a DSR agreement.
  • Users who charge offline can change regulatory hours via hotspot access.
• For Installer Miles:
  • Configure default settings in consultation with the owner.
  • Ability to disable default regulatory hours via the app.

Randomised Delay:

• New charge points will feature a randomised delay of up to 10 minutes to prevent demand surges on the National Grid during off-peak periods.
  • This delay, capped at 600 seconds by default, can be adjusted remotely and overridden by the owner.
• Delay functionality will not operate if:
  • The owner or end-user overrides it.
  • An equivalent delay has already been applied.
  • The charge point is providing DSR services.

What does this mean for EV users?

• For Electric Miles Users:
  • Ability to modify random delay settings through the app.
• For Installer Miles:
  • Set default random delay values as needed.

Smart Functionality:

• Smart functionality enables control of the charge point via a secure communications network, allowing users to:
  • Adjust the rate of electricity flow.
  • Change the timing of electricity delivery.
• Charge points must maintain interoperability with electricity suppliers, ensuring continued smart functionality even with supplier changes. They must also remain capable of charging EVs without network connectivity.

What does this mean for Electric Miles users?

• The Electric Miles app already provides these smart functionalities, including an option to set the charger to "Plug & Charge" mode.