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As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, using public charge points should be straightforward and stress-free. However, payment methods and network restrictions have often made public charging more complicated than it needs to be.
From needing multiple apps to dealing with limited payment options, many EV owners have experienced frustration when charging away from home.
Recent updates to UK public EV charge point regulations aim to change this. New rules around contactless payments and payment roaming are designed to make public charging easier, more familiar, and more consistent, no matter which network you use. In this article, we explain what has changed, when the updates come into effect, and what they mean for you as an EV driver.
What Has Changed for EV Drivers
Public EV charging is becoming simpler and more familiar for drivers across the UK. The latest regulation updates focus on removing some of the common frustrations EV owners face when charging away from home, particularly around payments and access.
The biggest change is that many public charge points must now offer contactless payment. This means that, instead of needing to download an app or sign up to a specific charging network, drivers can pay in a similar way to a petrol station by using a contactless bank card or mobile wallet. For newer and higher-powered chargers, this is no longer optional and must be in place.
Another key change is improved access across different charging networks. Charge point operators are now required to support payment roaming, allowing drivers to use a single app or card across multiple networks rather than juggling several accounts. This makes it easier to plan longer journeys and reduces the risk of turning up to a charger that cannot be used.
Overall, these changes are designed to make public charging more consistent and less confusing, giving EV drivers greater confidence when charging on the go.
Contactless Payments at Public Charge Points
One of the most noticeable changes for EV drivers is the wider introduction of contactless payments at public charge points. The aim is to make paying for charging feel as simple and familiar as possible, especially for those who charge away from home regularly.
Under the updated regulations, new public charge points rated at 8kW and above, along with all rapid and ultra-rapid chargers rated at 50kW and above, must offer contactless payment. This applies whether the payment option is available directly at the charge point itself or via a shared payment terminal on-site where multiple chargers are installed.
For EV drivers, this means you should increasingly be able to turn up, plug in, and pay using a contactless bank card or compatible device without needing to download an app, create an account, or sign into a charging network. While some networks may still offer apps and memberships, these can no longer be the only way to pay at charge points covered by the regulations.
Payment Roaming and Why It Matters
Payment roaming is a simple concept that can make a big difference for EV drivers. It allows you to charge your vehicle across multiple public charging networks using a single app or RFID card, rather than having to create separate accounts for each network you encounter. In other words, it works like a fuel card does for petrol or diesel vehicles, giving you access to multiple providers without extra hassle.
This is important because, until now, drivers often had to juggle different apps, memberships, or accounts depending on the network. Payment roaming removes this barrier, making it much easier to plan longer journeys and ensuring that you can use public chargers without unexpected interruptions or complications.
Under the new regulations, charge point operators are required to connect their public chargers to at least one third-party roaming provider. This guarantees that you, as a driver, can benefit from a more seamless and reliable charging experience, no matter which network you use.
How Rolec Is Adapting To ongoing Changes
As our charge point provider, Rolec is taking steps to make public charging easier and more reliable for EV drivers. Their strategic partnership with PAYTER allows us to offer simplified payment solutions that meet the latest contactless payment and roaming regulations.
By integrating PAYTER’s contactless payment technology directly with Rolec hardware, drivers can pay quickly and easily using a bank card or mobile wallet, without needing to download multiple apps or create separate accounts. This combination also gives businesses greater flexibility, helping to increase charger usage and improve the overall charging experience.
For EV owners, this means smoother, more convenient charging, while operators benefit from infrastructure that is both compliant and future-proofed for the evolving needs of public charging networks.
Making Public Charging Easier for Everyone
The latest updates to UK public EV charge point regulations aim to simplify, standardise, and enhance the charging experience for drivers. With wider access to contactless payments and the introduction of roaming, you can enjoy a smoother experience across multiple networks without juggling apps or accounts.
Working with trusted providers like Rolec ensures that the chargers we install are fully compliant with these new rules, giving drivers confidence and businesses a future-proofed solution.
If you’re looking to upgrade your workplace or car park with compliant, easy-to-use EV chargers, find out more about our commercial installation services at EV Charging Company and make charging straightforward for your employees and visitors.
Our free site surveys offer you peace of mind as our experts will assess your location thoroughly and provide personalised recommendations tailored to your needs, ensuring the seamless installation of your EV charging infrastructure.
Contact us today to get started on your journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future!
