Public Charge Point Regulations 2023: Operator Compliance Guide
This article provides a practical, operator-focused overview of the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, which set mandatory requirements for public electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the UK. It is written for charge point operators (CPOs), infrastructure owners, compliance managers, and investors.
1. Regulatory overview
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 came into force on 24 November 2023 to ensure that the public EV charging experience is:
- easy to find and navigate
- simple and transparent to pay for
- reliable, particularly for rapid charging
- comparable across different charging networks
The Regulations support the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and its legally binding climate targets by removing friction and uncertainty from public charging.
2. What charge points are covered
The Regulations apply to charge points accessible to the public, including charge points that provide electricity:
- free of charge for the entire charging session
- free for part of a charging session
Explicit exclusions
- Workplace charge points not open to the public at any time
- Charge points at residential premises
- Charge points used exclusively by emergency services
- Charge points for exclusive use by vehicles from a single manufacturer
3. Who is responsible
Obligations under the Regulations sit with the charge point operator (CPO).
A CPO is defined as the person or organisation responsible for the overall operation and consumer-facing aspects of a public charge point, whether as the owner or acting on behalf of a third party.
4. Core compliance requirements
| Requirement area | What operators must do | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless payment | Provide contactless payment at specified public charge points | Selected public & rapid chargers |
| Roaming | Enable payment through at least one third-party roaming provider | All public charge points |
| Reliability | Maintain 99% average reliability across the rapid charging network and publish performance | Rapid public charge points |
| Helpline | Provide a free-to-use, 24/7 staffed consumer helpline | All public charge points |
| Open data | Use OCPI and make required static and dynamic data publicly available | All public charge points |
| Pricing transparency | Clearly display total charging price in pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh) | All public charge points |
| Reporting | Submit regular compliance reports to OPSS and OZEV | All operators |
5. Open data and interoperability
Operators must use the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) to manage and share charge point data.
Certain datasets must be made publicly accessible, supporting:
- real-time availability information
- location and connector details
- improved third-party apps and route planning tools
6. Reporting obligations
Operators are required to submit periodic reports covering:
- network reliability performance
- helpline operation and availability
- supported roaming providers
Accepted reporting formats
OPSS and OZEV provide example templates, but alternative formats are acceptable provided all required information is included.
Reports should be submitted by email to:
- OPSS: pcpr@businessandtrade.gov.uk
- OZEV: Consumerofferconsult@ozev.gov.uk
7. Enforcement and oversight
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is responsible for enforcing the Regulations on behalf of OZEV.
OPSS enforcement actions are guided by its published Enforcement Policy, including rights for operators to make representations or appeal.
8. Practical implications for charge point operators
- CPOs must treat reliability, pricing transparency, and data openness as core operational KPIs.
- Investors should factor compliance costs into network expansion and retrofit plans.
- Site hosts should ensure contractual clarity on who holds operator responsibility.
