UK may introduce home charging port requirement
The British government has put forth a proposal in a public consultation to become the first nation to introduce mandatory charging points in new homes. Additionally, all new rapid chargers will have to offer card payment options starting in 2020.
The new charging point requirement is part of a package of announcements “to support electric vehicle drivers and improve the experience of charging.” The government is seeking to support and encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicle technologies and will continue the £500 subsidy for the installation of a residential charge point to help facilitate the process.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling also believes the market is ready for the measures: “With record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads, it is clear there is an appetite for cleaner, greener transport.” He added that the convenience and cost advantage afforded by home charging would help EV drivers.
Another provision in the package is the requirement to force charging network operators to add “pay as you go” debit or credit card payment options to rapid chargers by 2020. In order to ensure that prices remain affordable, the government would intervene using powers outlined in the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act. The government is also consulting on smart charging technologies to ensure grid stability.
Future of Mobility Minister, Michael Ellis described the initiative as an important step towards electrification: “It is crucial there are easy payment methods available to improve electric vehicle drivers’ experiences and give drivers choice. This will help even more people enjoy the benefits electric vehicles bring and speed up our journey to a zero-emission future.”
One British company has already taken steps to comply to the regulations, as BP Chargemaster announced yesterday that they would add contactless card payment to their 50 and 150 kW chargers on their 7,000 charger strong (450 rapid) Polar network. The company is also expanding with an eye towards becoming the dominating British charging infrastructure operator.
0 Comments