Achieving a high degree of physical, transactional, and technical interoperability across the EV charging sector is fundamental to making EV ownership/use a compelling consumer proposition. Interoperability is also an essential prerequisite to building a resilient charging infrastructure that works efficiently and securely with the electricity system, and other smart domestic appliances, for the benefit of consumers.
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce therefore proposes that Government should work with industry to accelerate the journey towards the adoption of common standards to achieve agreed interoperability goals linked to the growth of EVs. This journey should be driven to deliver positive consumer outcomes, taking lessons from other industries such as telecoms. More specifically, it is vital to the delivery of effective smart charging.
There are many ways to implement smart charging and the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce has recognised this by avoiding a prescriptive approach in its proposals. The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce recognises that the EV charging infrastructure sector is at an early stage of development so fostering innovation is essential. This should be recognised when setting interoperability goals. The risks of premature regulation must be considered but balanced by the benefits of common standards.
The latest from the taskforce’s work to tackle the challenges set out above.
‘Providing EV drivers with a hassle-free, seamless charging experience requires the urgent development of further standards and codes of practice that ensure full interoperability and sharing of data between the vehicle and the electricity system.’ Howard Porter, BEAMA Chief Executive
