IET: vGovernment recognises IET standard for electric vehicle charging

Demand for electric vehicles (EV) is expected to increase rapidly following the announcement of a Government £37 million subsidy for charging points.

Now, engineers installing the EV charging equipment can have their skills and knowledge formally recognised as part of a new package of measures to enable safe installation across domestic, public, commercial and industrial locations.

The Government has made it a requirement that EV charge points are installed in accordance with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)’s Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.

To assist engineers in understanding the Code of Practice the IET has launched a new training course backed by a new City & Guilds qualification 2919 – Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, the first of its kind in the UK.

The Electric Vehicle charging point installer course, based on the IET’s Code of Practice and developed with expert training provider Group Horizon, includes modules on understanding charging equipment, installation requirements, certification and fault finding.

Carolyn White, Director of IET Standards, said: “The Government’s recently announced subsidies shows a commitment to ensuring that the UK is a world leader in electric vehicles.

“As the industry expands, it is vital that benchmarks are introduced to enable those working in the installation of electric vehicle charging equipment to meet accepted standards.

“The IET’s Code of Practice was launched in 2012 and has become widely recognised by industry as the leading guide in the installation of electric vehicle charging equipment.  The time is now right to introduce this new course and qualification, which will set the standards for electric vehicle installation.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
For more information on the new course, visit http://www.theiet.org/resources/standards/courses/ev-charging.cfm
For more information on the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, visit http://www.theiet.org/resources/standards/index.cfm
For more information for Local Authorities on installing EV infrastructure visit http://www.theiet.org/resources/standards/ev-report.cfm
Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespersons.
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