ENCS, the European Network of Cyber Security, and E.DSO, the European Distribution System Operators’ Association for Smart Grids, have announced the launch of cyber-security requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The standard is the first in a series of security standards for smart grid components.

The requirements, which are applicable throughout Europe, provide municipalities and distribution network operators with a practical set of considerations when procuring EV chargers and harmonise security standards across the continent.

Anjos Nijk, managing director of ENCS, stated, “From a security standpoint, the potential impact of EVs on the grid simply can’t be understated. By 2020, there is expected to be nearly 220,000 EV chargers installed. At this scale, these requirements will be vital in neutralising the growing threat from hackers who could potentially cause a blackout through poorly-protected EV chargers.”

Speaking on the development of security measures for EV charging, Joachim Schneider, chair of the technology committee of E.DSO commented, “These requirements are not only key to the long-term vision of our work with ENCS, but lay a strong foundation for meaningful and proper certification. You can only really achieve this with requirements born out of a collaborative effort between grid operators and cyber experts, which was a key element in our project. This joint expertise will be key in encouraging EV charger manufacturers towards a security-by-design approach.”