EV Charging Regulations
INTRODUCTION
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation by offering a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. As Sri Lanka advances toward greener energy solutions, EVs play a vital role in reducing emissions, improving air quality, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Powered by rechargeable batteries, EVs offer smooth, quiet driving experience, with lower maintenance and fuel costs.
With rising support from the government and the growth of renewable energy, EVs are becoming more accessible to Sri Lankans. By transitioning to EVs consumers are playing a role in promoting a cleaner environment and achieving long-term cost savings.
PUCSL’s Role in Regulating EV Charging Centers
The widespread adoption of EVs depends heavily on the availability of a robust, reliable charging infrastructure. To support this, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is playing a role in regulating EV charging centers, ensuring their adherence to the highest standards of safety, quality, and accessibility.
PUCSL’s regulatory role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of EV charging centers, highlights its commitment to the development of sustainable energy infrastructure. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) was empowered by the Cabinet decision No/17/0613/706/041 on 5th April 2017, to execute the following activities.
As the regulator, PUCSL oversees the licensing and operation of EV charging centers across Sri Lanka, promoting fair pricing, consumer protection, and the development of a reliable network of charging stations.
In light of that, the Commission issued technical guidelines on EV charging in 2018 to ensure safe operation of EV charging stations.
https://www.pucsl.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Guideline-EV.pdf
Present Status of Developing regulatory framework on EV charging
As the country moves towards its goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2050, emission reduction in the transport sector is crucial. The development of EV transport would help to achieve the above target. The demand for EVs has increased during the last few years due to fuel scarcity. Consequently, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has planned to improve the affordability of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and the Safety aspects of using EV charging in Sri Lanka.
In 2023, the Commission collaborated with the Sri Lanka Standards Institute to adopt IEC standards for EVs and EV charging. The following Standards have been already adopted in Sri Lanka.
Currently, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is working on granting exemptions to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) to allow them to operate without obtaining a license to distribute and supply electricity to electric vehicles. The Commission plans to integrate Charge Point Operators (CPOs), who own and operate EVCS, into the regulatory framework through these exemptions. PUCSL has taken following initiatives to promote the EV industry within a properly regulated yet flexible framework by developing these regulatory tools: