All [new] home EV chargepoints will need smart chargers from next month [UK]

[OnTheEdge]

All homes and workplaces will need smart electric car chargers in June

MASSIVE law changes are coming into effect at the end of June which will require all home and workplace electric car chargers to have smart charging capabilities.

www.express.co.uk

Putting aside the rational for this law change, I'm a bit concerned my 12 month old Rolec EVHS 2140 will need replacing for something more "smart". I notice Rolec's new range are branded Homesmart. Can anyone confirm?

 

[robbieduncan]

I think it only applies to new fitment. Existing chargers are not in scope

 

[PeteSanders]

The Government regulations come into effect on June 30, and are intended to help manage the strain on the National Grid with thousands of electric cars charging at once. These set out minimum standards for all home and workplace chargepoints sold in England, Scotland and Wales from that date, whereas previous rules had only applied to units funded by OZEV grant schemes.

 

[Matt Porter]

I assume the Tesla charger doesn't count for this? I was probably going to have one installed before this deadline but may reconsider now. Anyone know more?

 

[Pink Duck]

It's not listed under Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme approved chargepoint model list - GOV.UK so probably worth having that installed before July.

 

[GRiLLA]

Tesla will need to stop selling the Wall Connector in the UK unless they add capabilities and certify it, which I suspect they will not.

I'm also slightly confused about what will happen to the UMC, it's not smart but I can't really see an exception in the regulations for 3 pin devices, and as we know it can do upto 11KW ? Does anyone know if it is also going to be banned?

 

[Pink Duck]

Tesla might argue that the smart charger is unnecessary for their vehicles, which are already capable of smart charging via API, e.g. Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus tariff. Wouldn't surprise though if they just de-list the UMC from UK market either.

 

[pgkevet]

..so everyone just installs a 32A commando?

 

[OnTheEdge]

Thanks for the list Pink Duck, looks like my Rolec is safe and I'm saved from a knock on the door from plod inciting me with possession of a dumb EV charger.

 

[init6]

I'm also slightly confused about what will happen to the UMC,

Aren't Tesla removing the UMC from future sales?

 

[WannabeOwner]

Aren't Tesla removing the UMC from future sales?

have done in USA ... no news in UK ... but it has only moved from "Included" to "Extra cost accessory"

Any other brand got a UMC that is on the approved list? I'm doubting that UMCs (rather than wall chargers) will be subject to this law ... which would be typical that there is already a perfectly acceptable loophole / workaround to a new law. Daft.

I also like @Pink Duck point that Tesla could tackle this problem from the car end. Probably all EVs could ... or "next model" could be required to. Far better than trying to do it from the Charger I reckon ... what when family members have, say, 4 EVs on the drive, all different brands / models? Surely it would be much easier to use an APP for each car to decide how much charge it needs, and by when (and then let the Grid choose WHEN to charge it) rather than "Which car have you plugged into which charger" to then set the Smart Charger settings for how much charge that car should get and by when ...

 

[Tony Hoyle]

I suspect they'll do an OTA to add the minimum timer functionality to make it 'smart' (defaulting to off peak, as required). They *might* even integrate it with the Tesla app.. but there's no requirement for them to do so.

 

[Artiste]

..so everyone just installs a 32A commando?

I’ve been using one with great success for well over two years. Dumb as a box of rocks and 100% reliable. I have no intention of changing.

 

[Warp9lecy]

I just put my charger in dumb mode and removed from the WiFi. Don't want my device updating unless I know what's going to change.

 

[KennethS]

I’m not keen on having charge points that are capable of being monitored externally (or worse). I’m happy with our TWC v2s. We’ve had the first one since summer 2019 and will be having the second installed (set to load share with the first one) prior to delivery of our pending MYLR.

 

[Tony Hoyle]

I’m not keen on having charge points that are capable of being monitored externally

They're not.. that isn't part of the rule change - if Tesla wanted to monitor your usage they'd probably be doing it already.

 

[Adopado]

They're not.. that isn't part of the rule change - if Tesla wanted to monitor your usage they'd probably be doing it already.

You're clearly not wearing your tin hat ...

 

[WllXM]

What's weird is that in just 5 weeks, Tesla won't legally be allowed to sell the TWC3 anymore, yet, they're aren't even communicating on this...
I would either do a big push to get the last inventory items out before 30th June, or warn of an upcoming OTA update...

 

[KennethS]

They're not.. that isn't part of the rule change - if Tesla wanted to monitor your usage they'd probably be doing it already.

It’s not Tesla that I’m referring to. Never underestimate the desire of government to monitor its citizens and come up with new taxation avenues. I readily admit I am a tin foil hatter….

 

[init6]

It’s not Tesla that I’m referring to. Never underestimate the desire of government to monitor its citizens and come up with new taxation avenues. I readily admit I am a tin foil hatter….

You shouldn't be on the internet in that case