As electric vehicles (EVs) become ever more common, one hot question remains unanswered – Why are EV chargers not calibrated in the same way as pumps in fuel stations?
In the UK the Weights and Measures Act 1985 requires that all weighing and measuring instruments used in trade are accurate. Additionally, the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 require fuel stations ensure that their pumps are both “accurate and reliable”.
As well as ensuring that petrol and diesel fuel pumps meet the legal requirements, regular calibration protects the interests of fuel stations as well as customers.
But what about charging stations for electric vehicles?
The Law and Calibrating EV Chargers
At the time of writing there is only one country in the world where it is law to calibrate electric vehicle chargers – Germany.
The Eichrecht is a German law that requires accuracy and transparency of measurements, including electricity meters and now electric vehicle chargers.
However, in the UK, and worldwide, there is no law for calibrating EV chargers.
The UK does have regulations for electric vehicle smart charge points with extensive requirements from smart functionality, supplier interoperability, safety, and measurement. Our smart charge point regulations even cover cyber security requirements as specific as standard ETSI EN 303 645.
But there is still no law requiring EV, (Plus BEV, and PHEV) chargers to be accurate and reliable.
The Issue of Uncalibrated EV Charging
In 2009 one of the UK’s biggest supermarkets was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £6,500. Motorists at one of its fuel service stations were overcharged for a period of nine months.
A routine inspection by Trading Standards found that customers were receiving 4% less fuel than they’d paid for at 18 of the services station’s 36 fuel nozzles.
With electric vehicle chargers this issue could be happening right now with consumers unaware if they’re being overcharged or not.
Equally, without calibration of EV charging points, providers could be losing money too.
In Germany right now Tesla’s Supercharger network does not display how much charge users are using or paying for. However, the Tesla app shows this data. Are Tesla losing out, or are motorists being overcharged?
Charger Calibration Solutions
Whilst UK EV drivers await changes to the law, charging point providers can act now to ensure they are delivering accurate and reliable measures.
ZERA’s EMOB200 test case allows easy on-site testing of AC and DC charging stations. Quick to set-up, versatile, and clear to read, the EMOB200 is accurate to +/- 0.1%
For a detailed demonstration of the EMOB200 and what it can do for you, call Caltest on 01483 302 700.
Our experienced engineers will be happy to show you what you can achieve with the EMOB200.
