The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published a new set of guidelines, BSI Flex 2071 2.0, to standardise the development and operation of public heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charging sites.
The code of practice is designed to ensure the safe implementation of charging infrastructure, particularly at motorway service areas and truck stops.
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The BSI Flex 2071 2.0 provides a comprehensive framework covering various aspects of charging site development.
It includes a standardised vocabulary and units of measurement, recommendations for charging site layouts, and guidelines on public access.
The document also addresses the segregation of different vehicle types, such as HGVs, public service vehicles (PSVs), and vans, as well as the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians.
RHA Net Zero policy lead Chris Ashley said: “I strongly welcome these standards from the British Standards Institute. We know that hauliers and coach operators will want to charge their vehicles en route at truck stops and motorway service areas.
“With the publication of these standards, another important piece of the Net Zero jigsaw puzzle falls into place to allow operators and charge point providers to plan for this provision.”
Safety and design implications are a key focus of the BSI Flex standards.
These considerations are crucial for logistics providers, electrical grid suppliers, consumer groups, and any other stakeholders involved with charging sites or battery-electric HGVs.
The standards aim to facilitate the deployment of battery-electric HGVs and the necessary charging infrastructure by addressing operational planning, access, layouts, safety, welfare, and security.
A harmonised approach, as outlined in the BSI Flex, is expected to assist designers and operators in ensuring better interoperability and accessibility of charging sites.
It could also provide additional risk management and safety considerations, especially important for sites offering multiple fuel options.
