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Get Smarter: Updates to UK Smart Charging Regulations

Whether you are expanding your EV charging infrastructure or adding your first workplace EV charge point, it’s important to be compliant with the latest legislation.

The UK Government introduced the first part of the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 in June 2022 – you can read our easy guide to these changes here. 

However, the legislation was rolled out in two parts, with part two – confusingly labelled Schedule One – coming into effect at the end of December 2022. The measures in Schedule One focus on enhancing security – it now mandates that charge points must be designed, manufactured and configured to prevent disruption of the electricity system and the charge point itself, while also protecting the personal data of the owner and users of the charge point. 

What Does This Mean for Charge Point Security?

  • Charge points that use passwords must each have a unique password 
  • Charge points must have the capability to regularly check for software updates and for those updates to be delivered securely  
  • Charge points must notify the owner about updates 
  • Charge points must alert the owner to unauthorised changes 
  • Charge points have robust integrated security measures 
  • Charge points can verify that only authorised users are able to access them 
  • Communications from the charge point are encrypted 
  • Charge points keep a security log of all incidents such as tampering and attempts at unauthorised access 

On top of this, the law states that charge points must be designed and manufactured to provide adequate protection against physical damage, including a tamper-protection boundary that protects the internal components of the charge point. 

This includes: 

  • Protection of user and operator interfaces 
  • Ensuring users can’t access the charge point without going through the user interface 
  • Notifying the owner if there is a breach of the tamper-protection boundary 
  • Hardware interfaces used for testing or maintenance, etc, are not exposed  

What Does This Mean for Charge Point Ease of Use?

If this all sounds complex, don’t worry! The legislation also ensures that a charge point must be configured “so as to minimise the inputs required from the owner in connection with the set-up and operation of the charge point.” This means that they must be as easy to use as possible. However, the law is also designed to ensure that users can delete their personal data from charge points “without undue difficulty.” 

What Information Should I Expect from My Charge Point Provider?

According to the legislation, your charge point provider must supply the following information whenever you purchase a charge point: 

  • How you can report security problems or concerns, including vulnerability to cyber attacks 
  • Explain the time covered for the provision of software updates 
  • Guidance on how to set up the charge point with adequate security protection 
  • Instructions on how to delete personal data from the charge point 

What Do I Need to Do Next?

At Mer, we are fully aware of these charge point regulations and take care of all these elements for you. We can guide you through the compliance process when we install your workplace EV chargers. 

If you want to ensure that your new charge points are compliant with the latest legislation talk to us on 03300 562 562 or email our team at [email protected]. 

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