- UK’s first Electric Vehicle Charging Charter by FairCharge and RAC enhances EV charging.
- Recommendations: 99% charger reliability, clear information, 48-hour repairs.
- Focus on safety, accessibility, and lower VAT for public charging.
FairCharge and the RAC have joined forces to introduce the UK’s first Electric Vehicle Charging Charter
At its core, the charter is all about improving the standards, accessibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the rapidly expanding UK charging network. This initiative aims to establish a set of world-class standards that will apply across the entire UK EV charging sector.
“I’ve this week written to the new energy secretary urging her to support this campaign and help boost the UK’s energy independence and security. We’ve produced this charter after talking to hundreds of EV drivers and it represents their wish list for building a world-class public charging network. Government, operators, councils, and local authorities should reflect on what these pioneering drivers of EVs have told us. Only by carefully listening to those who have already driven electric cars for years will this country get the charging infrastructure and EV policies to be fit for the future.”
Quentin Willson, Founder, Faircharge
Among the charter’s recommendations is a call for a 99% charger reliability guarantee. Additionally, it advocates for clear and transparent information for consumers about the status of chargers. This will be accompanied by a speedy 48-hour repair target for out-of-service units.
Roadside signs will be put to work, displaying the locations of the fastest chargers. Charge point operators (CPOs) will be required to consistently display kWh pricing for clarity.
But the charter doesn’t stop there.
It also addresses critical issues like charger safety and accessibility. The charter stipulates that chargers should be in well-lit, secure areas accessible to all drivers, regardless of physical abilities.
Parking operators and local councils are urged to clarify EV parking terms and conditions. This will combine with a special emphasis on not turning parking while charging into a revenue stream. Payment processes should be hassle-free, accepting contactless bank and debit cards, and providing digital receipts that include the VAT.
“As the market for electric cars really starts to open up in the UK, it’s vital we have enough public chargers in enough locations to make charging as straightforward as possible.
But quality is as important as quantity: drivers will quickly become frustrated if they discover chargers that aren’t working, or they can’t clearly see how much they’re going to pay before they plug in. And for those with specific accessibility needs, having chargers that meet the new British Standard is absolutely vital.
This charter – a first for the UK – addresses all these issues and more which is why we’re calling on the whole sector to get behind it and help deliver an electric car charging experience that puts drivers first.”
Rod Dennis, RAC Spokesman
Lastly, the charter makes a financial recommendation to the Treasury: reduce VAT on public charging from 20% to 5%. FairCharge and the RAC argue that this would alleviate the financial burden on consumers without driveways who rely on public charging, without significantly impacting the government’s finances.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Charter marks a significant step forward in the electrification of transportation in the UK. It aims to create a more reliable, transparent, and accessible EV charging experience for all, while also reducing the financial strain on EV users.
