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EV Evidence

Regulation · UK

The 99% rapid-network reliability denominator

The statutory 99% figure is a calendar-year rapid-network average. Since 24 November 2024, non-micro operators must keep their network of public chargepoints rated 50 kW or above reliable to that annual average and publish compliance; restricted-hours points count only while open. It never guarantees one charger, site, month, visit or charging session.

The National Archives: The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, Regulation 7

Reviewed

Key facts and evidence

Across the UK, as checked on 12 August 2026, the statutory 99% measure has applied since 24 November 2024 only to non-micro operators' networks of rapid public chargepoints rated 50 kW or above. It is an average over each calendar year, with restricted-hours points measured only while open, and never predicts one point, visit or session.

The National Archives: The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, Regulation 7

Read the statutory 99% figure only as a calendar-year average across a covered operator's network of public chargepoints rated 50 kW or above.

The denominator is a rapid network

The qualifying denominator is the covered operator's network of rapid public chargepoints rated 50 kW or above. The 99% threshold is averaged over each calendar year, not calculated as a promise for each unit.

Operator and opening-hours boundary

The duty applies from 24 November 2024 to an operator that is not a micro business. Where a public point has restricted opening hours, only those hours enter its statutory reliability measurement.

No individual-session promise

A published annual network figure cannot establish that a particular charger or site will work during a given month, visit or charging session. Plan the journey without treating 99% as an availability assurance.

What to do next

Check the operator's published annual rapid-network compliance statement and retain its named calendar year and network scope.

Immediate action: For an immediate fault, use the operator's stated reporting route rather than relying on the annual percentage.

  • Reject any interpretation that applies 99% to one charger, site, month, visit or session.
  • Do not apply the threshold to public points below 50 kW or to a micro-business operator.

Checks that stay with this vehicle

  1. Check the operator website for its published rapid-network compliance statement and named calendar year.

    You identify an operator publication with the qualifying network and calendar-year denominator.

    Stop comparison if the operator, calendar year, 50 kW-or-above scope or calculation basis is missing.

Do not infer from missing evidence

  • Do not convert the network calendar-year average into an individual charger or future-session promise.

Professional hand-off

  • Use the operator route for an out-of-order point and OPSS for suspected failure to meet or publish the statutory network-level measure.

Questions this record can answer

What does the sourced evidence say about the denominator is a rapid network?

The qualifying denominator is the covered operator's network of rapid public chargepoints rated 50 kW or above. The 99% threshold is averaged over each calendar year, not calculated as a promise for each unit.

What does the sourced evidence say about operator and opening-hours boundary?

The duty applies from 24 November 2024 to an operator that is not a micro business. Where a public point has restricted opening hours, only those hours enter its statutory reliability measurement.

What does the sourced evidence say about no individual-session promise?

A published annual network figure cannot establish that a particular charger or site will work during a given month, visit or charging session. Plan the journey without treating 99% as an availability assurance.

Sources