Workplace Electric Vehicles and Smart Charging

After the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021, legislation was passed that all new cars and vans sold in the UK must be fully electric by 2035. The latest legislation has requirements for smart charging, with implications that controlling energy flow and charging times are the future of EV charging points. Smarter charging is encouraged by requiring smart cables to avoid charging during peak hours (8-11am and 4-10pm on weekdays). 

There are also local laws regarding implementing electric vehicle charge points. Many cities refer to the London Plan as a standard when setting their own charge point guidance. The London Plan requires 20% of parking spaces in new residential developments to have active charging facilities, and 10% of parking bays to have passive charge points.

There is a government funded Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) that provides financial support to businesses wishing to have electric vehicle charge points installed at their work premises. Destination and workplace locations will be targeted as areas to expand and add charging points, as EVs can stay on charge for longer periods and therefore reduce the impact on the electrical grid. Requirements to retrofit EV chargers in existing workplace car parks is just a matter of time and infrastructure planning. 

PASCHALi recommends that organisations anticipate and comply with the regulations being implemented in the near future. For more details on regulations and on PASCHALi’s recommendations, you can download our full Workplace Electric Vehicles and Smart Charging brief here.