Government funded EV charge points must be ‘smart’ by July 2019

All government funded home charge points for electric vehicles (EVs) must use ‘smart’ technology from July 2019, the Government announced today (December 14).

This means charge points must be able to be remotely accessed, and capable of receiving, interpreting and reacting to a signal.

Smart charging can also reduce high peaks of electricity demands, minimising the cost of EVs to the electricity system – and keeping costs down for consumers by encouraging off-peak charging.

Alongside this, the Government has also announced that they have maintained grants to install charge points at home and in the workplace at their current level of up to £500, making charging easier for consumers and ensuring that plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles can be used to their full potential.

Roads minister Jesse Norman said: “The Government wants the UK to be the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle, and through leadership and innovation it is paving the way to a zero emission future.

“We have already supported the installation of over 100,000 home charge points. Now the measures announced today will give more people the opportunity to make the move to electric.”

Automotive minister Richard Harrington said: “Today’s measures will make it easier for consumers to move towards electric vehicles, helping us power towards a cleaner, greener future.

“Through our modern Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal, we are investing to ensure the UK is the leading destination for the innovation and manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and technologies to help all parts of the UK reap the economic benefits of these innovations.”

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme has supported the delivery of domestic charge points to consumers since 2014 and has delivered more than 60,000 grants to date.