New communication protocols, cybersecurity requirements and smart charging regulations are reshaping electric vehicle charger design, making compliance a moving target for engineering teams
To help manufacturers navigate this changing landscape, EV charging technology specialist Versinetic has launched its 2026 UK EV Charging Standards Guide and Interactive Audit Tool, providing a structured self-assessment designed to identify compliance gaps before they become costly product redesigns.
The launch follows the implementation of the Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021 and the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, with further industry developments expected to accelerate adoption of Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 2.1 and advanced smart grid functionality. Looking ahead, compliance with ISO 15118-20 is expected to become a requirement for all new public and private charge point installations from 2027, introducing new technical demands across both hardware and software development.
“The UK EV charging standards landscape is currently in rapid flux, presenting manufacturers with unprecedented compliance challenges,” says Dunstan Power, managing director of Versinetic. “Between stringent domestic security frameworks and evolving communication protocols, the cost of falling behind is incredibly steep, resulting in wasted R&D, stranded product lines and missed market opportunities.”
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Rather than focusing solely on regulatory checklists, the audit tool evaluates the engineering implications of compliance across hardware architecture, firmware and cybersecurity. Manufacturers can assess critical features including default off-peak charging schedules, randomised charging delays, cryptographic hardware support and payment roaming functionality, enabling development teams to benchmark products against current and emerging standards.
The guide also highlights the architectural changes required to support future charging technologies. Implementing ISO 15118, for example, requires more than software updates alone. Plug & Charge functionality depends on integrating Power Line Communication (PLC) hardware alongside dedicated cryptographic processors capable of securely managing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates without affecting overall system performance.
MODULARITY AND CYBERSECURITY
Versinetic recommends adopting modular software architectures capable of supporting future upgrades. A dual-stack implementation, allowing OCPP 2.1 to operate alongside legacy OCPP 1.6 systems through backwards compatibility, enables manufacturers to maintain interoperability with existing charging networks while preparing products for next-generation smart charging services.
Cybersecurity is another major focus. As charge points become increasingly connected to vehicles, payment systems and electricity networks, security is becoming a fundamental product requirement rather than an optional feature. The guide recommends implementing secure boot mechanisms, digitally signed firmware updates with rollback protection and aligning product development with recognised consumer IoT cybersecurity standards such as ETSI EN 303 645.
“As we move into the second half of 2026, features like ISO 15118 for automated Plug & Charge and OCPP 2.1 for smart grid interaction are transitioning from audit tool to serve as a pragmatic roadmap, allowing engineering and product teams to accurately map out their compliance gaps today so they don’t face costly hardware redesigns tomorrow,” adds Power.
For transport manufacturers and charging equipment suppliers, the pace of regulatory change means compliance can no longer be treated as a final-stage approval exercise. By identifying technical shortfalls early in the development cycle, tools such as Versinetic’s audit platform offer engineering teams an opportunity to reduce programme risk, accelerate product readiness and ensure charging infrastructure remains compatible with the increasingly intelligent, interconnected EV ecosystem.
