Back in November 2020, the government pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, marking a first step on the journey towards net zero. Since then there has been an increased focus on preparing the necessary infrastructure, workforce, products, and skills to meet the 2030 target. Installers of electric vehicle charge points are expected to be in high demand as the deadline for meeting the target approaches.
In addition, the December 2022 uplift in Building Regulations supports the government’s commitment by requiring the installation of electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs) in all new homes and buildings and ensuring that all EVCPs installed going forward have smart functionality.
Not only do these Regulations alleviate some of the industry’s concerns about grid capacity, but ‘smart chargers’, must also meet certain requirements, enabling a minimum level of access, security, and information for consumers.
Grants
From April 2022 the government is providing grants for flat owner-occupiers and landlords to encourage further installations. The EVCP grant covers 75% of the cost of installing a single charge point. Landlords can receive up to 200 grants per year for residential properties, and a further 100 for commercial properties.
To qualify for the EVCP grant, the installation must be completed on the consumers’ behalf by an Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) registered installer. Being a member of an Electrical Competent Person Scheme and providing proof of public liability insurance are prerequisites for becoming an OZEV authorised installer.
Other government funding options for EVCPs include the Workplace Charging Scheme – a voucher-based scheme that assists eligible applicants with the upfront costs of purchasing and installing an EVCP in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, local government can take advantage of an on-street residential charge point scheme to help them support and deliver the EVCP rollout more effectively. The scheme’s goal is to increase the availability of on-street charge points on residential streets where off-street parking is unavailable.
What PTT offer
We run a 2-day City and Guilds 2921 Level 3 Award in the Design & Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations. This course provides detailed guidance and recommendations on all aspects of the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment. From the origin of the electrical supply, through distribution and final circuits, installation of the charging equipment itself to the cable between the charging equipment and vehicle’s electrical inlet. Also included are related issues of site layout and planning and subsequent inspection, testing, certification and maintenance of installations. The qualification includes additional methods of protecting against open PEN conductor faults and how to assess if an installation has an issue with diverted neutral current. It also includes smart functions in EVSE and relevant items within the installation as a whole. Integration into prosumer’s electrical installations including the option of electric vehicles reverse feeding into the installation and/or supply grid.
Whilst qualifications must be held and demonstrated, installers must also keep up-to-date with the latest developments as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
