No Granny Charger NO Peak Time Charging New RULES

Summary

A new UK government legislation on electric vehicle (EV) charging aims to address grid stability, safety, and the growing demand for electricity. The regulations will restrict charging during peak times, introduce randomized delays, and phase out unsafe 'granny cables.' The government may also use data from smart chargers to implement fairer taxation based on mileage. This comprehensive approach seeks to prevent grid overload, promote safety, and ensure long-term sustainability for EV infrastructure while safeguarding against cyber threats and energy price hikes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Peak-time charging restrictions are coming: EVs will not automatically charge during peak electricity demand unless manually overridden, helping to avoid grid overload.
• ⚡ Legislation aims to prevent a surge in electricity demand by limiting EV charging during peak hours and introducing randomized delays for scheduled charges.
• 🔌 The end of 'granny cables' is near: low-cost, non-smart charging cables may be phased out due to safety and compliance issues, in favor of more secure and smart wall boxes.
• 🛡️ EV chargers must comply with strict security protocols to prevent potential cyberattacks that could disrupt the national grid by overwhelming it with simultaneous charging demands.
• 🏙️ The new rules help balance grid load by avoiding sudden electricity spikes, reducing the need for additional peak power plants and lowering electricity costs in the long term.
• 🕒 Randomized charge start times will be introduced to avoid all EVs charging at the same time during off-peak hours, helping to prevent grid strain.
• 🚗 Off-peak charging will be incentivized: charging at off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, will be automatically encouraged, benefiting both consumers and the national grid.
• 💰 The cost of charging an EV may rise due to the need for smarter chargers and stricter regulations, which could lead to higher prices for imported non-compliant chargers.
• 🛠️ UK legislation may introduce a new way to tax EV usage based on mileage and charging behavior, potentially replacing traditional road taxes with a fairer, usage-based model.
• 🌍 With more people adopting electric cars, there’s a risk that non-compliant foreign-import chargers could compromise grid security and national infrastructure, driving stricter regulations.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the upcoming government legislation regarding EV charging?

The main goal of the legislation is to prevent electric vehicle (EV) charging during peak electricity demand times to reduce pressure on the national grid and prevent the construction of additional peaker plants, which could raise electricity prices.

How will the legislation affect charging schedules for EVs?

The legislation will introduce software locks that prevent EVs from charging during peak hours unless specifically overridden by the user. If a car is plugged in during peak times without a preset charge schedule, it will not start charging automatically.

Why is the government concerned about people charging EVs during peak hours?

Charging EVs during peak hours could overwhelm the national grid and necessitate the construction of expensive peaker plants to meet demand, which would increase electricity costs for everyone.

What is a 'granny cable,' and why does the legislation likely mean its end?

A 'granny cable' refers to a basic domestic charging cable that is often used to charge EVs at home, typically at slower rates. The new legislation requires chargers to be smart and comply with stricter safety and security regulations, making granny cables non-compliant and possibly phased out.

What is the concern about cheap foreign import chargers in the UK?

Cheap foreign import chargers may not meet UK safety or security standards. If these chargers are not properly tested or are vulnerable to hacking, they could pose significant risks, including being used to disrupt the national grid in a cyberattack.

How will randomization of charging times help the national grid?

Randomization of charging times prevents a large number of EVs from starting to charge simultaneously, which could cause a sudden spike in demand on the national grid. This helps manage load and reduces the risk of grid overload.

What are 'peak plants' and why are they problematic?

Peak plants are power plants built specifically to meet high electricity demand during peak hours. They are expensive to build and maintain and contribute to rising electricity costs. The goal is to reduce reliance on these plants by managing EV charging times.

Could the new legislation potentially lead to a tax on EV usage?

While not explicitly stated, the legislation could provide the infrastructure for a future tax on EV usage based on factors such as mileage. Smart meters and tamper-proof devices in chargers could track usage, enabling a fairer, more efficient way to tax EV drivers per mile driven.

Why is it important for EV chargers to comply with security protocols?

Complying with security protocols ensures that EV chargers cannot be easily tampered with or hacked. Without proper security measures, compromised chargers could be used in cyberattacks that disrupt the national grid and damage critical infrastructure.

What could happen if large numbers of non-compliant chargers were used in the UK?

If large numbers of non-compliant chargers were used, they could be exploited in a coordinated cyberattack, potentially overwhelming the national grid by charging all at once and causing widespread power outages or damage to infrastructure.