A NEW report from Drax Electric Vehicles using Freedom of Information data, has uncovered a mixed picture on EV charger compliance, important for fleets and businesses that want to go electric.
The Government introduced the Public Charge Point Regulations (PCPR) in 2023 to “ensure that the experience of consumers using public charge points across the UK is consistent and positive”.
This required owners and operators of public charge points in the UK to display the maximum price of a charging session. Now, starting 24 November 2024, they will need to comply with four additional regulations for eligible charge points:
- New public charge points of 8kW+ and all existing charge points of 50kW+ must support contactless payment.
- Ensure 99% reliability for rapid charge points.
- Provide a free-to-use 24/7 helpline.
- Use the Open Charge Point Interface (OPCPI) for greater accessibility.
Additionally, from 2025, charge point operators will be required to allow drivers to connect via at least one roaming provider. These regulations are vital for EV-operating fleets to ensure that public charging points can reliably support operational demands, particularly for those making long-range journeys.
Drax says it contacted 210 local authorities across the UK, and of the 90% that responded, nearly half (47%) reported they were fully compliant. More than one in five (21%) admitted to zero compliance, while 50 local authorities cited challenges such as funding gaps and technical hurdles.
Progress and challenges on EV charger compliance: a snapshot of local authorities
Drax says it contacted 210 local authorities across the UK, and of the 90% that responded, nearly half (47%) reported they were fully compliant. More than one in five (21%) admitted to zero compliance, while 50 local authorities cited challenges such as funding gaps and technical hurdles.
Adam Hall, Director of Energy Services at Drax Electric Vehicles, said:
“These findings highlight both progress and opportunity. Councils are working hard to modernise their EV infrastructure, but barriers continue to exist. Bridging these gaps is essential to not only build confidence in the UK’s EV growing market but also help make the transition smoother for businesses and fleets who rely on a reliable public charging network.”
Regional disparities showcase the scope for growth
While Drax says the data is very promising, it reveals disparities in compliance across UK councils.
- England: Leading the charge, over half (56%) of English local authorities with data reported full compliance. However, 22 councils cited challenges such as funding limitations and contactless payment issues, which was attributed to factors like the age of the chargers and signal strength.
- Wales: Mixed results show 43% are fully compliant, while 43% are entirely non-compliant. However, all councils are working towards compliance and have outlined plans, demonstrating their commitment.
- Scotland: Only 24% of responding councils are fully compliant. Twenty councils (out of the 31) highlighted barriers such as outdated infrastructure, underscoring the need for investment.
Naomi Nye, EV Charging Expert at Drax Electric Vehicles, commented: “The regional differences highlight the need for greater collaboration and support to ensure that no council is left behind in building a robust charging network. These differences also impact businesses and fleets, who depend on equitable access to reliable charging infrastructure, regardless of location.”
Supporting fleet efficiency with public charging solutions
Among the 20,979 public charge points operated by responding councils, 58% are fully PCPR-compliant.
“For UK businesses, a dependable public charging network is critical for fleet operations and long-range efficiency,” continued Hall. “While we’re helping businesses install reliable EV chargers at their sites, public infrastructure must also keep pace. PCPR compliance ensures EV drivers have access to dependable charging options, no matter where they are.”
Over two-fifths (42%) of councils reported specific challenges that hindered their ability to achieve full compliance. These challenges included:
- technical difficulties in adapting older charge points to support contactless payment systems due to outdated hardware systems and complexity with signal strength;
- insufficient funding for necessary infrastructure upgrades;
- and issues with managing the reliability of charge points and associated helpline services.
Despite these obstacles, 107 councils have proactively shared compliance steps, indicating momentum toward improvement.
Naomi Nye added:
“While compliance is not yet universal, the transparency and proactive engagement in addressing these issues are commendable. Businesses can be reassured that efforts to strengthen the network are underway.”
Collaboration and long-term planning remain key to success
As the next PCPR deadline approaches, Drax Electric Vehicles calls for increased collaboration between councils, the private sector, and the UK Government. Transparency about progress and barriers will be essential to developing a future-ready charging network that will aid in achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Naomi Nye said, “Achieving compliance is just the beginning. For businesses and fleets, the priority must also be on future-proofing the UK’s EV infrastructure. Collaborative solutions today will ensure that fleets have access to an inclusive and resilient charging network.”
