The uptake of EV Charging in residential blocks is increasing exponentially, affecting block’s electricity distribution and Future Fuel is ready for what comes next.
The first six months for Future Fuel have been bright: funding went live in April allowing 2 OZEV-funded projects to be won within seven days, winning Partner of the Year at the ACE Awards in June, as well as hosting multiple online sessions helping property managers prepare for their next steps. Now, Future Fuel is ready for the next step on the Road-to-Zero… the new EV charge point regulations. Electric vehicle charge points sold in Great Britain for private (domestic or workplace) use (as of 30th June) are now being regulated to help manage the increase in electricity demand from the transition to electric vehicles.
These new regulations ensure charge points have smart functionality, allowing the charging of an electric vehicle when there is less demand on the grid, or when more renewable electricity is available. The regulations also ensure that charge points meet certain device-level requirements, enabling a maximum level of access, security, and information for consumers.
The regulations cover:
- electric vehicle private charge points which are sold for use in a domestic or workplace environment in Great Britain
- smart cables (defined as an electrical cable which is a charge point and is able to send and receive information)
All ChargePoint manufacturers must comply with these new regulations from the 30th of June whereby they must be in accordance with smart charging.
But what is Smart EV Charging?
Smart Charging is a system that enables electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles more efficiently and cost-effectively. In essence, Smart Charging just means that the ChargePoint is connected to the internet, allowing it to be remotely controlled by online billing platforms (like Monta). This way, it optimises the charging process, reducing the overall costs of charging an electric vehicle.
Future Fuel has always advocated for smart charging, seeing the benefits (which are listed below) for residents charging their vehicles in their demised bays. Manufacturers like Easee and billing platforms like Monta allow this and are regulation ready.
From today, Charge points should be able to do the following:
- Can incorporate pre-set, off-peak, and default charging hours and allow the owner to accept, remove or change these upon first use.
- Can allow a randomised delay function
- Can provide a measuring system, which measures or calculates the electricity imported or exported and the time the charging lasts, with visibility to the owner of this information
- Have safety provisions, preventing any operation that could risk the health or safety of the user.
- Can continue to charge the vehicle even if the charge point ceases to be connected to a communication network.
What are the benefits of these new regulations?
- The reduced overall cost of charging your EV
- More efficient use of electricity (i.e. less wasted power)
- Avoidance of “peak demand” charges from your utility company
- Increased convenience (e.g. being able to set a charging schedule that works for your lifestyle).
For the everyday electric vehicle owner, these new regulations will ultimately allow them to charge their vehicles at a more convenient time and decrease their overall electricity waste and therefore cost. No resident nor property manager will have to worry about ensuring their chargers follow these new regulations as it will begin at the manufacturing stage. The future of electric vehicles is continuously becoming more efficient, and the choice to transition from fuel to electric is even more encouraging.
Get in touch: info@future-group.uk
T: 020 3826 9999
30/06/2022
