What is EV Smart Charging?
Smart Charging is sometimes called Intelligent Charging or Managed EV Charging. According to the Energy Saving Trust, smart Charging refers to a safe and convenient method of charging your EV rather than depending on a household electricity source. In other words, this intelligent charging system enhances communication between an EV and a charging dock.
By exchanging data, a user can use digital interfaces for insights. And so, they have more control over energy usage.
This means that you can utilise the insights to decide when you want to charge your vehicle, either during off-peak or when there is a maximum power supply from the grid. To avoid overloads, a smart EV charger may also proactively detect changes in the load on the circuit. Thus, adapt the charging rate correspondingly.
What is the EV Smart Charging Regulations?
The Smart Charging (Points) Regulations are in place to ensure that every EV charger manufacturer in the UK equips their products with intelligent charging functionality.
Starting from 30th June 2022, any dealer or manufacturer of non-complaint EV chargers could be fined up to £10,000 by the body in charge – the Office for Product Safety Standards.
Furthermore, there will be an improvement in the regulations, which focuses more on security. However, it’s important to note that as electric vehicles are rapidly being adopted across the globe, there will be constant changes and developments to these regulations even in the future.
What Does it Mean for EV Drivers and Homeowners?
Off-peak Charging
To prevent peak demands in electrical grids, every new charger starting from June 2022 must be set to default charging hours. This act helps to combat Charging during peak electricity use, specifically from 8 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays.
In addition to offering grid operators more flexibility during peak demands, off-peak Charging is aimed at managing future EV sales growth. Thereby preventing operators from overloading the electrical grid and avoiding hazards.
However, the user or owner can still override this feature if needed despite the off-peak setting.
Delayed Charging/Phased Charging Times
Also, charge points must allow for a randomised delayed charging ability of about 1800 seconds. This feature helps in protecting the electrical grid from breaking down due to overloading.
The delayed charging function enhances grid stability more flexibly, thus making it more controllable and manageable. Like the off-peak charging feature, users can always override the delay if the need arises, such as charging their vehicle.
Security
From 30th December 2022, charging points must be designed and configured with the existing cybersecurity standards. In other words, manufacturers must build their products to guarantee a user’s safety.
This includes the following:
- Passwords
- Software and updates
- Secure communication
- Data inputs
- Security logs
- Protection against attacks
Smart Charge Regulations and Compliance
While the Smart Charging Regulations is effective at the time of purchase, retailers and distributors must ensure that all products are compliant. In cases with no complaint, such business might attract a fine of about £10,000.
If, however, you have a product that does not adhere to the policies, contact the manufacturer immediately for an upgrade. Should you need, any help futureproofing your business, get in touch with the expert at BoostEV.
What’s next for Smart Charging Regulations in the UK?
There is a rapid increase in the impact of EVs on power systems in the UK and the world at large.
And with the adoption of smart charging units, users and operators can now regulate demand and supply across electrical grids.
Smart Charging Regulations are not only valuable for the UK. Several countries across Europe are likely to follow this lead – embrace this policy or introduce their regulations.