One in three public EV chargers are providing incorrect readings

There are growing concerns over the accuracy of public electric‑vehicle charging points, after an industry analysis found that 31.5% of chargers tested delivered energy readings that did not match the actual amount supplied.

The study, conducted by independent inspection specialist EVCI Global, involved testing hundreds of chargers in real‑world use.

Using calibrated measurement equipment, the organisation discovered widespread discrepancies.

The findings suggest a significant proportion of drivers may be paying for electricity they never receive, raising questions about the reliability of metering across the UK’s growing EV infrastructure.

In some cases, the deviation exceeded the allowable margin set for metering equipment, and a subset of devices showed even larger errors.

Industry regulations currently permit EV chargers a broader range of acceptable measurement error compared with traditional fuel pumps, which must adhere to strict statutory limits.

While petrol and diesel pumps are typically confined to an accuracy window of -0.5% to +1%, electric chargers are allowed a tolerance of up to +2%.

However, EVCI Global’s analysis indicates that nearly one‑third of chargers fall outside these standards.

The issue has been flagged to MPs through a written submission to the Parliament's Transport Select Committee.

EVCI Global has recommended the introduction of a "commissioning test" followed by a periodic (1–2 year) in-service verification to improve consumer confidence in the UK’s public charging infrastructure.

In response, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson commented: “Public EV charge points are expected to accurately measure and provide the electricity they state they deliver.

“Meters used at most public charge points are covered by regulations requiring accuracy to within 2%, which we expect all providers to adhere to.”