New laws are introduced by EU and UK to improve EV charging experience. The former’s regulations aim to improve payment systems, charging speed, and availability across Europe’s main road networks. Additionally, they plan to develop a public database of charging stations by 2027. The latter is proposing rules that focus on achieving 99% charging station reliability within the country. It is accompanied by requirements for payment systems and a database similar to those of the EU. These rules are expected to enhance the EV charging experience for Europeans and potentially influence other regions globally.

The European Parliament has approved a series of regulations aimed at enhancing the overall experience of charging electric vehicles (EVs). The focus of these rules is to simplify the payment process, increase charging speed, and ensure better availability of charging stations. The UK government is proposing new rules to make payments and charging stations more convenient and reliable.

Both sets of regulations have the potential to enhance the EV charging experience for Europeans and potentially for the rest of the world. The increasing sales of electric cars have placed public charging in the spotlight recently. The demand for electric vehicle charging stations is growing rapidly as more people adopt electric vehicles.

In response, charging station operators are working quickly to install chargers along popular routes to cater to the needs of the expanding electric vehicle fleet. As a consequence, several territories are experiencing issues such as complicated payment systems, unreliable chargers, and a shortage of high-speed charging options on certain routes.

The European Parliament Law

According to the new rules revolutionize EV charging, Europe will mandate 400-600 kW charging stations to be available after every 60 km by 2028.

Today, the European Parliament took a significant step forward in enhancing the state of affairs by granting approval to fresh regulations as a component of its “Fit for 55” bundle, aimed at achieving a remarkable 55% emission reduction by 2030. The regulations require charging stations to be located at minimum distances from each other and to provide fast charging speeds. This helps to increase access to EV charging networks.

The regulations pertain to Europe’s “TEN-T core network,” which consists of the primary road networks that span across the entire continent. It is a system similar to the interstate highway system in the United States. By 2026, Europe will mandate the installation of chargers with a minimum output of 400 kW at intervals of no more than 60 km along these main routes. By 2028, the minimum output will be raised to 600 kW.

Trucks and buses have extra rules for charging. Charging points are needed every 120 km on certain roads, with an output range of 1.4-2.8 MW.

By 2027 Europe plans to create a public database for charging stations. The database will provide information on availability, wait times, and pricing for different stations, regardless of the network they belong to.

Also See: Europe Welcomes its First Battery-Powered Trains

In addition to the regulations regarding charging stations, the new rules also require easier payment methods for chargers. In their current state, certain networks necessitate subscriptions or app installations. New laws are introduced by EU and UK to improve EV charging. And according to the regulations, it will be mandatory for customers to have the option to make payments using credit cards or contactless devices. Also, it will be essential to provide transparent pricing information to customers.

The EU has mandated cleaner maritime fuels and requires ships to use shore power while in ports. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Both rules were approved with an overwhelming majority in the European Parliament.

EU and UK Proposed New Laws Improve and Revolutionize EV Charging
Picture Credits: European Commission

The Law by the UK Government

The UK is planning to mandate a 99% reliability rate for charging stations.

The UK government has also put forward regulations specifically targeting the charging experiences in the country. Based on a survey conducted in 2017, it was found that the number of non-functional EV charging stations in the UK stood at 15%. This figure was reduced to 8% by 2019. The United Kingdom aims to reduce this percentage to 1%.

Demanding a 99% level of reliability can bring advantages beyond the borders of the UK. It will push charging station manufacturers and operators to enhance their performance and create more effective protocols to ensure utmost reliability. As more territories prioritize reliability, the greater the potential for these benefits to spread to those that have not yet done so.

The Netherlands has set a 99% reliability goal and the UK government mentioned the Dutch as an example for its own 99% target.

Also See: Solar Trees: A Unique Solution to Charge EV

Further, to ensure reliability, it is mandatory for charging station operators to have a 24-hour helpline available in case of any issues. In addition to the reliability mandates, the UK rules would adopt:

  • Payment and database requirements that are similar to the EU rules
  • Mandating per-kWh pricing
  • Price displays
  • Contactless payments
  • Live data on charge point availability

However, these regulations only pertain to fast chargers that have a power output of 8 kW or higher. Slower public AC chargers, on the other hand, are not subject to these regulations.

United Kingdom and Europe introduces new laws but these rules have not been officially adopted in the UK. Once they are approved, they will take one year to come into effect. If the government acts swiftly, the UK has the opportunity to establish its regulations ahead of the EU.

Source #1 MEPs adopt new rules for more charging stations and greener maritime fuels

#2 The consumer experience at public chargepoints

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Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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