Open Data Rules for UK EV Chargers

Data transparency is no longer optional for UK public charging networks. The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 compel operators to publish accurate, machine-readable information covering charger location, connector type, availability and tariffs. This transformation unlocks a new competitive edge for fleets: real-time infrastructure intelligence can now be integrated into telematics, planning software and procurement dashboards without bespoke licensing. The following guide explores what the rules require, how they reshape fleet operations and the steps to capitalise on the open-data mandate.

What counts as open data in the regulations

The regulations mandate that public charge points make reference data—address, geolocation, connector specifications, payment options and pricing—freely available. Crucially, availability data must also be shared in a near-real-time feed, typically via the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) protocol. Operators must update status information (available, charging, reserved, out of service) within 30 seconds of a change, ensuring fleets gain a live view of network health. Data must be provided without restrictive licensing terms, enabling third parties such as fleet software providers to ingest and redistribute information to drivers.

In parallel, operators must supply roaming partners with transaction data to facilitate seamless charging sessions across networks. This interconnected approach ensures that fleets using mobility service providers or consolidated billing solutions receive consistent, high-quality data regardless of the underlying hardware vendor.

Why open data matters for fleet performance

Accurate data feeds translate directly into measurable operational benefits:

Reduced downtime. Drivers can avoid sites flagged as unavailable, reducing wasted trips and queueing.
Improved routing accuracy. Route-optimisation tools can incorporate real-time availability and pricing, minimising detours and energy costs.
Contract transparency. Procurement teams can validate supplier claims about uptime and tariff competitiveness by comparing published data with internal usage logs.
Enhanced analytics. Combining OCPI feeds with telematics enables advanced KPIs such as charger utilisation by region, dwell time variance or the correlation between weather events and fault rates.
These insights feed into cost-per-mile modelling, allowing finance teams to quantify the value of reliable infrastructure and justify investments in partnerships or private charging projects.

Implementing an open-data strategy inside your fleet

To make the most of the new obligations, fleet leaders should create a structured adoption plan:

Inventory your data sources. List every CPO and mobility service provider in your network. Identify which ones already supply OCPI feeds and the refresh cadence of their status data.
Upgrade integrations. Work with telematics vendors to ensure they can ingest OCPI endpoints, reconcile connector IDs with your asset database and expose availability alerts to drivers.
Build KPI dashboards. Develop scorecards that track uptime, average wait time, price variance and driver satisfaction. Use the data to rank suppliers and trigger SLA reviews.
Align governance. Update internal policies to require suppliers to notify you of feed outages, schema changes or compliance incidents within defined timeframes.

Competitive advantages and negotiation leverage

Open data empowers fleets to move from anecdotal feedback to evidence-based decision-making. When evaluating charging partners, you can demand access to machine-readable feeds as a prerequisite. Suppliers that provide comprehensive data gain more wallet share; those that lag risk removal from routing algorithms. When negotiating tariffs, historical price feeds offer leverage to lock in caps or secure index-based adjustments tied to wholesale electricity trends.

Moreover, transparent data sharing enhances corporate reporting. Sustainability teams can publish verifiable metrics about renewable energy usage, avoided emissions and driver efficiency improvements, strengthening ESG disclosures and investor confidence. Customers benefit as service-level commitments become more dependable.

Turn insight into action

Harnessing open data requires the right tools and governance. The AER Compliance Pack includes templates for data-sharing agreements, OCPI feed validation and KPI dashboards tailored to the Public Charge Point Regulations. When time is tight, schedule a Fleet Audit Express to benchmark your digital readiness and secure a roadmap for integrating open-data insights into daily operations.