A new consumer code of practice has been launched for domestic electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installers today (2 March).
The Electric Vehicle Consumer Code (EVCC) is a voluntary scheme which offers members a model quotation, contract and warranty as well as access to alternative dispute resolution services if things should go wrong.
The new code has been developed by Renewable Energy Assurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Renewable Energy Association, which also developed the the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) for businesses who are selling or leasing renewable energy generation systems to domestic consumers.
Currently there are around 1,000 businesses in the UK authorised to install domestic chargepoints through the government’s EV Homecharge Scheme, with a quarter of these being a RECC members.
As sales of new electric car and van increase in the early 2020s, the number of chargepoint installers operating on the market is also expected to increase.
Virginia Graham, chief executive of RECC, said: “RECC has played a foundational role in enforcing high consumer protection standards in the small-scale renewable energy industry since 2006. We aim to extend the lessons learnt from that sector into the rapidly-growing world of EV home chargepoints.”
Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: “The EV charging industry is committed to best practice. Decarbonisation of the UK transport sector is our aim, but to achieve this we need to bring consumers with us on the journey and ensure they are confident about the low-carbon products and services on the market.”
Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “Zero emission vehicles are cutting transport emissions and improving air quality, making our communities healthier, better places to live.
“Having the right rules and regulations on chargepoint installation standards is important and we want to see industry showing leadership in this area.
“We welcome the Electric Vehicle Consumer Code which aims to protect both people and installers of electric chargepoints in homes across the UK.”