CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskOZEV regulations require all new EV charge points on non-domestic sites to be smart-enabled and able to communicate with the grid. Care homes with visitor or staff carparks need to assess their compliance position.
Under the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations, EV charge points sold and installed at non-domestic sites in Great Britain since the regulations took effect must be smart-enabled, meaning they can send and receive data and respond to signals that manage when and how fast a vehicle charges. Care homes installing charging points for staff, visitors or fleet vehicles fall within scope as non-domestic premises, and non-compliant equipment should not be specified for new installations.
The core smart charging requirements were introduced in 2022, covering default off-peak charging periods and randomised delay functions to support grid stability. Subsequent updates tightened cyber security expectations and clarified obligations for larger multi-point installations, meaning specifications procured before these updates may not reflect current requirements. Operators planning new installations should confirm with their installer that the proposed equipment meets the current version of the regulations rather than relying on older product literature.
Adding EV charging load to a care home's electrical supply is not a simple socket installation -- it requires an assessment of the existing supply capacity, distribution board headroom and earthing arrangement under BS 7671. Dedicated circuits with appropriate RCD protection are required, and a competent electrician should confirm the installation will not create diversity or overload issues elsewhere in the building, particularly where the care home already runs significant continuous electrical load from medical and mobility equipment.
Beyond electrical compliance, siting charge points needs to account for pedestrian routes used by residents and visitors, cable trip hazards, and fire service access to the building. Where charge points are installed near a building entrance, consideration should also be given to fire risk from vehicle charging equipment in relation to escape routes, in line with general fire safety principles for the premises.
Non-compliant installations expose the operator to enforcement action under the regulations and can also void the manufacturer's warranty on the charge point itself, leaving the operator liable for the full cost of remedial work or replacement. Before committing to an installation, request written confirmation from the installer that the specified equipment and configuration meet the current regulatory requirements, and retain this alongside the electrical installation certificate for the new circuit.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.