10.4. Relevant reports and strategy documents

Published by the UK Government and updated in October 2024, the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 outlines the legal requirements for operators of publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across the UK. The regulations aim to improve consumer experience and confidence in the public EV charging network by encouraging operators to adhere to 99% reliability for rapid chargers.

Additional standards set in the document include encouraging clear pricing transparency and contactless payment options, as well as mandating that operators offer chargepoint users 24/7 helplines, open data standards using open charge point interface (OCPI), roaming capabilities across networks.

The guidance also clarifies the scope of the regulations, defines key terms, and provides examples of acceptable practices, ensuring consistency and accessibility in public EV charging infrastructure to support the UK’s transition to net zero. Operators must comply with detailed reporting obligations set out in the regulations or face civil penalties for non-compliance from the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Electric Vehicle Accessible Charging Standard PAS 1899 2022 is a British Standards Institution specifically designed to ensure public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints are accessible to disabled users. Sponsored by Motability and the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the standard provides minimum requirements and best practice guidance for chargepoint design, placement, surrounding environment, and digital interfaces.

It addresses physical accessibility features such as component height, cable usability, screen readability, and ground surfaces, as well as the integration of accessible digital platforms and location data. Supplementary guidance covers inclusive environments around chargepoints, including lighting, signage, and security, and offers tailored recommendations for off-street and on-street installations near designated accessible parking bays.

The document also includes checklists and testing methods to assess cable manoeuvrability and ensure compliance with accessibility standards, supporting a just and inclusive transition to zero-emission transport.

The National Transport Strategy Fourth Delivery Plan, published by Transport Scotland in December 2024, outlines the Scottish Government’s actions through 2025 to deliver a sustainable, inclusive, safe, and accessible transport system.

It is anchored in four strategic priorities: reducing inequalities, taking climate action, delivering inclusive economic growth, and improving health and wellbeing. The plan details progress made since the previous delivery cycle, including major infrastructure investments, expansion of free bus travel for young people, and the rollout of low emission zones.

It commits to further decarbonisation of transport through electrification of rail lines, expansion of zero-emission bus fleets, and development of EV charging infrastructure.

The plan also emphasises collaboration across government, industry, and communities, and includes targeted measures to improve accessibility, road safety, and active travel options. Despite fiscal constraints, the strategy maintains a focus on long-term resilience, innovation, and equitable access to transport services across Scotland.

Top Ten Commercial Considerations for Local Authorities for EV Infrastructure Service Contracts was published in January 2024 by the Scottish Future Trust. It provides strategic guidance for local authorities in Scotland developing concession or service contracts with private sector partners to expand public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Drawing on two years of market engagement, it outlines ten key commercial issues, ranging from site selection and tariff setting to contract length, grid connections, and liability caps. These are key to ensuring equitable risk allocation and attract private investment.

The paper emphasises flexibility, outcome-based planning, and transparent protocols to support Scotland’s national EV charging vision, which prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and integration with wider transport systems.

It also highlights the importance of aligning contract terms with market realities, ensuring fair and enabling tariffs, and maintaining service quality through robust performance indicators.

Remote and Rural Resilience for EV Infrastructure is an article written by PNDC in collaboration with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS). It explores the communication challenges and solutions for EV charging infrastructure in Scotland’s remote and rural areas, particularly in the Highlands and Islands.

It highlights the critical role of reliable and secure connectivity in enabling EV charging services and achieving net-zero goals, especially in light of the 3G network shutdown. The study evaluates various technologies, including 4G/5G mobile networks, fibre broadband, satellite communications, and low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN), based on availability, cost, and suitability for different locations.

It recommends multi-network SIMs for improved coverage and outlines upgrade paths for legacy 3G-based chargers. The report also incorporates insights from previous innovation projects and emphasises the importance of future-proofing EV infrastructure through strategic planning and technology selection tailored to local conditions.

The EVIF draft template concession contract, published in June 2024, outlines a proposed framework for reviewing and adjusting electric vehicle (EV) charging tariffs under concession contracts supported by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF).

It sets out two key tests to ensure tariff increases remain fair and justifiable: benchmarking against national average rates (e.g. RAC Charge Watch) and a cost-based cap that includes service fees, electricity costs, concession fees, revenue share, and VAT.

The protocol allows flexibility for service providers to adjust tariffs while maintaining transparency and affordability, especially for non-subscription users. It also defines terms such as charging speed categories, service fee caps, and peak electricity costs, and includes a worked example to illustrate how the tests apply in practice.

The document emphasises the importance of open-book evidence and cautions that unrealistically high service fee caps may disqualify bidders during tender evaluation.

This Guide to Pricing Your Charge Point Tariffs, published by Fuuse, provides practical advice for organisations and businesses on setting competitive and sustainable pricing for electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints.

It emphasises the importance of early tariff planning, especially when receiving government grants, which require non-profit pricing models. The guide outlines key factors influencing pricing, including charger type (AC vs. DC), location, energy costs, VAT, and commission fees.

It recommends using local chargepoint mapping apps to benchmark tariffs and offers a sample calculation to estimate profit margins. The document also highlights strategies for maximising revenue, such as promoting chargers on navigation platforms and offering flexible payment options, while encouraging operators to balance affordability with financial sustainability.

This fire safety guidance for EVs in covered car parks, produced by Arup for the UK Department for Transport, outlines evidence-based recommendations to improve fire safety in enclosed car parks where electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints are installed.

The guidance aims to support the safe integration of EV infrastructure into existing covered parking facilities by addressing fire risks associated with EVs and their charging systems. It emphasises the importance of incorporating fire safety considerations into planning and design processes to ensure public safety and resilience as EV adoption increases.

This EV infrastructure research report, commissioned by Transport Scotland, provides a comprehensive forecast of Scotland’s public electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) needs through 2030, 2035, and 2040.

It supports national goals to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 56% by 2030 and phase out new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. The analysis models five scenarios based on EV adoption rates, vehicle functionality, and travel behaviour.

Key findings include a projected need for 30,000 public chargers by 2030, with up to 105,000 by 2040 under the base scenario. The report highlights regional disparities in EV uptake, driven by income, housing type, and access to off-street parking.

It also evaluates policy options such as tax incentives, VAT reform, and planning regulations, and outlines business models for public-private infrastructure delivery. The findings aim to guide equitable, data-driven investment in Scotland’s EV transition.