Bureau Veritas is urging electric vehicle charge point suppliers to prepare for new legislation coming into effect in June.
The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Point) Regulations 2021 come into effect on 30 June, having been signed into law in December 2021. The legislation stipulates that all electric vehicle charge points sold in Great Britain for private use (at either a home or a workplace) are regulated to help manage the increase in electricity demand from the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. From June, the regulations will ensure that charge points have ‘smart functionality’, allowing the charging of electric vehicles to take place when there is naturally less demand on the grid – such as during off-peak times, or at times of high renewable energy generation.
In the current energy crisis, Bureau Veritas is supporting the new regulations and the introduction of smart functionality to EV charge points; not only to reduce the pressure on the grid, but also as a means of saving consumers money and ensuring EV uptake continues at its current pace of adoption as we head towards a net zero economy.
Michael Kenyon, Head of Electrical Technical Development at Bureau Veritas, says: “There is no doubt that energy smart appliances – including EV charging systems – will support in the transition to a low carbon future.
“Currently, EV chargers draw electricity ‘on demand’, however the introduction of smart technology will ensure that demand can be balanced efficiently between both the network and the consumer – particularly as the rate of EV adoption intensifies. For the utility suppliers, this reduces the need to invest in costly infrastructure updates. For the consumer, it offers savings on energy bills, and the assurance that optimum supply of electricity is available without impacting on existing power utilisation within the home.
“What’s more, using smart technology will support is preserving the quality of an EV battery, preventing over-charging and subsequent damage to costly components.
“With the new The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Point) Regulations 2021 applying to any EV charger sold for private use from 30 June, it is crucial for all suppliers to be preparing for change now. As with all regulatory changes, there is a need to fully understand the impact and requirements of complying with new standards – which is where working with a competent third party, such as Bureau Veritas, can help.
“My advice therefore is to not wait for changes to come into force, but to prepare and plan for them now to meet the new requirements head on.”
