OZEV Commercial Chargepoints: Minimum Technical Specification (MTS)
This guidance summarises the UK Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) minimum technical specification for commercial EV chargepoint units that are intended to be eligible for OZEV-funded schemes. It is primarily written for chargepoint manufacturers, and is also useful for installers, grant applicants, and procurement teams managing workplace or landlord charging projects.
What this specification is for
To be eligible for OZEV EV chargepoint grants, commercial chargepoint units must meet defined technical requirements. This document sets the minimum requirements for the charging equipment (the unit), rather than the entire site build.
Commercial chargepoint units must meet the MTS to be eligible for schemes including:
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
- EV chargepoint grant for commercial landlords
- EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets
Installation requirements (for context)
While the MTS focuses on equipment, the final installation must be completed in line with:
-
IET Wiring Regulations:
BS 7671:2018(installed before 31 July 2020) orBS 7671:2018+A1:2020(installed after 31 July 2020) - IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation
- Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
- All other applicable standards
If installing on a public highway, a contractor registered through the Highway Electrical Registration Scheme (HERS) must be used.
Equipment installation must align with BS EN 61851-1:2019. The site electrical supply should allow operation at full rated capacity. If local constraints prevent this, the unit should be classified by its actual output capacity.
The design must support installations compliant with BS 8300-1:2018, considering EV drivers who may be disabled or have mobility needs.
Charging equipment: general compliance
Marking and product safety
-
Chargepoint units must be CE marked under EC Directive
768/2008/ECor have UKCA marking under UKCA guidance (as applicable). - Units must clearly display any precautions needed for safe operation with active implantable medical devices.
Key standards and regulations
- BS EN 61851-1:2019 (EV conductive charging system – General requirements)
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (with legacy applicability for older placed-on-market equipment)
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (with legacy applicability for older placed-on-market equipment)
BS EN 62196 Mode 1 or Mode 2 charging equipment
is not compliant with this commercial MTS. Commercial grant-eligible equipment must support
the outlet/tethered configurations described below.
Outlet configuration
-
Units must use either:
- EV socket outlets (BS EN 61851-1:2019 case A or B connection), or
- Tethered cables (BS EN 61851-1:2019 case C connection)
- For multiple outlets: classify the unit based on output power delivered at each outlet with all outlets operating simultaneously.
- If multiple connectors share a single outlet, only one connector may be active while in use.
AC charging requirements
- Must measure output power at nominal supply voltage: 230Vac single-phase or 400Vac three-phase.
- Must comply with BS EN 61851-1:2019. (Note: requirements from IEC 61851-22 were migrated into this standard.)
- Must use BS EN 62196 Mode 3 charging.
- Where applicable, must use BS EN 62196 Type 2 socket outlets.
DC charging requirements
- Must comply with BS EN 61851-23:2014.
- Must use BS EN 62196 Mode 4 charging.
V2X and embedded generation capability
For chargepoint equipment with embedded generation capability (V2X):
- Up to and including 16A per phase: comply with ENA Engineering Recommendation G98.
- Greater than 16A per phase: comply with ENA Engineering Recommendation G99.
Charging outlet power classifications (commercial MTS)
OZEV’s commercial MTS defines allowable outlet configurations by power range. Use the table below as a practical classification reference when preparing equipment documentation for registration and procurement.
| Category | Power range | Nominal supply (where specified) | Connector / socket notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard AC | > 3.5kW and ≤ 7kW | 230Vac ±10% single-phase | Commercial unit requirements apply |
| Fast AC | > 7kW and ≤ 23kW | 230Vac ±10% single-phase or 400Vac ±10% three-phase | Commercial unit requirements apply |
| Semi-rapid AC | > 23kW and ≤ 43kW | 400Vac ±10% three-phase | Type 2 socket outlet or tethered Type 2 connector |
| Rapid AC | > 43kW and ≤ 44kW | 400Vac ±10% three-phase | Type 2 socket outlet or tethered Type 2 connector |
| Fast DC | > 3.5kW and ≤ 22kW | As per DC equipment design | Mode 4; BS EN 61851-23:2014 applies |
| Semi-rapid DC | > 22kW and ≤ 50kW | As per DC equipment design | Mode 4; BS EN 61851-23:2014 applies |
| Rapid DC | > 50kW and ≤ 62.5kW | As per DC equipment design | Mode 4; BS EN 61851-23:2014 applies |
| Slow AC (not permitted) | < 3.5kW | — | Not allowed under this commercial specification |
Operational note: multiple outlets and derating
For multi-outlet systems, classification is based on delivered power per outlet with all outlets operating simultaneously. Where the site supply constrains full capacity, the equipment should be treated as operating at the actual achievable output capacity for the purpose of categorisation and performance claims.
Location and environmental protection
- Installed equipment must meet applicable minimum IP ratings set out in BS EN 61851-1:2019 and BS 7671 according to usage location.
- If installed within a workplace, the final installation must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
User interface requirements
- Chargepoint status must be indicated using lights/LEDs or a display.
- For workplace installations, instructions for access/payment (as appropriate) and operation must be clearly displayed.
Smart requirements and cybersecurity
Commercial chargepoints eligible for OZEV grants must comply with The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021.
- Smart functionality requirements apply to the chargepoint unit.
- Cybersecurity requirements apply as specified under the same regulations.
Servicing, maintenance, and warranty
- Charging equipment must be supplied with an on-site 3-year warranty covering parts and installation.
- All chargepoints must have a minimum operational life of 3 years.
Manufacturer readiness checklist (registration-focused)
If you are preparing a commercial chargepoint model for OZEV grant eligibility, use the checklist below as a structured evidence guide.
- CE or UKCA marking documentation aligned to applicable rules
- Evidence of compliance to BS EN 61851-1:2019 and relevant UK regulations
- Medical device precaution labelling (where required)
- AC: Mode 3, and Type 2 where applicable
- DC: Mode 4 and BS EN 61851-23:2014 compliance
- No Mode 1 or Mode 2 equipment for commercial grant eligibility
- Designed for install compliance with BS 7671 and IET Code of Practice
- Rated capacities and measurement at 230Vac / 400Vac as applicable
- Multi-outlet simultaneous-output classification approach documented
- Meets Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021 requirements
- Cybersecurity controls evidenced to the required standard
- Documentation suitable for an audit-ready technical file
- IP rating suitability evidenced for intended install contexts
- Status indication via LEDs/lights or display
- Workplace instructions ready for deployment contexts
- 3-year on-site warranty for parts and installation
- Minimum 3-year operational life requirement met
- Serviceability expectations addressed in product documentation
