Government launches consultation on improving EV charger cybersecurity

The government has launched a consultation to examine how the UK’s electric vehicle charging network can be better protected against future cyberattacks.

With no specific cybersecurity requirements in place for public charge points, the Department for Transport (DfT) has opened the discussion to propose that EV charge points sold or installed in the UK should meet stringent security standards, and that they should be equipped with physical anti-tamper protections too.

The DfT has said that cyber security for EV charging is already ‘developing’ in other ways, including domestic and small non-domestic charge points having to meet cyber requirements and keep user information secure.

It added that it was being supported by ‘external industry and specialist consultation advisers’ to develop options that would mitigate cyber security risks for EV charging and develop a ‘consistent baseline level of cybersecurity for public charge point devices’.

The department said that it has identified a ‘range of risks’ to the charging network, including direct attacks on specific charge points, or more widespread strikes on the overall infrastructure.

Essentially, it wishes to bring public charge points up to the same standard of security – and perhaps beyond – that which is already required by domestic and smaller units under the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations set out in 2021.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted now, prior to a closing date of December 20.