UK’s EV rapid charging network required to have 99% reliability rate under new laws

In a move that will come into force later this year, it is hoped that this will help accelerate the adoption of EVs across the UK.

According to Secretary for State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP: "Reliable and easily accessible charging infrastructure is key to making the switch to EVs as easy and smooth as possible.

"However, it’s essential that EV drivers feel confident using the public chargepoint network. In this consultation, we set out proposals that mean current and future EV drivers will be able to locate available chargepoints simply, pay for a charge more easily and recharge their cars more reliably, regardless of where they are going in the UK.

"Drivers need to know they can rely on the public charging network for any journey they take. This will reduce range anxiety and position the UK as a world leader in deploying advanced EV charging infrastructure."

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Last month, the UK’s charging network received a massive boost, as plans to support the UK market to reach 300,000 public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by 2030 was announced.

This is almost 5 times the number of fuel pumps across the UK today.

A further £1.6 billion was pledged by the Government under the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, with the aim to make charging easier and cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car.

In a further statement, there will be a new legal requirement on operators to enable drivers of EVs to pay by contactless, compare charging prices and find nearby chargepoints via apps.

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Following the publication of a government strategy designed to boost EV charging infrastructure and improve driver's experience, RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said: "With the EV revolution already underway, it’s vital the UK’s charging infrastructure is fit for purpose and keeps pace. It’s pleasing that the Government recognises the value of mandating contactless payment and will also set ambitious reliability targets on the chargepoints themselves.

"Many current and would-be EV drivers worry that charging units will be out of order when they arrive to charge their vehicles, so it is vitally important this is addressed. The development of local charging hubs, which we have called for some time, will also play a crucial role in helping the estimated one-third of drivers who can’t charge at home as they don’t have a driveway or garage.

"With the number of new electric vehicles coming on to our roads accelerating at an impressive rate, it is vital the Government has ambitious targets on installing new public chargepoints ahead of 2030.

"While the Government’s expectation of having 300,000 chargepoints available by 2030 might sound impressive, we are concerned that this is not going to be sufficient with drivers looking to switch to an electric vehicle en-masse ahead of the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. Additionally, accessibility standards and assistance for those without smartphone apps should also be part of the overall strategy."

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