Information
Definition
EV charging infrastructure available for use by members of the public, including on-street, rapid, destination and en-route charging. It is normally assessed alongside authorisation method, user experience, accessibility, payment flow and support requirements.
Why it matters
Public charging brings additional expectations around payment, accessibility, reliability, open data and user support in the UK. For UK users, it affects how easily drivers can start a session, pay, authenticate, understand charger status and get support.
References
Standards and regulations
Public Charge Point Regulations 2023
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are UK regulations for public EV charge points covering contactless payment, payment roaming, price transparency, open data, helplines and rapid charge point reliability. They apply to relevant public charging provision across the UK.
PAS 1899:2022
PAS 1899:2022 is the UK accessible charging specification covering the design of public charge point environments, charger placement, physical accessibility and user information. It focuses on making public EV charging more usable for disabled and older drivers.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets requirements for public alternative fuels infrastructure, including EV charging access, consumer information, payment and infrastructure deployment. For UK audiences, it should be read with both the EU AFIR framework and the UK Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations that still influence public charging terminology.