From August 1, 2025, any radio equipment placed on the market in the EU, including EV chargers, must meet the new cybersecurity requirements included in the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU, updated by RED (EU) 2022/30.
Zaptec chargers meet these requirements by following EN 18031, the European cybersecurity standard, with certification verified by a notified body.
This article explains what RED (EU) 2022/30 is, how Zaptec complies and how it's handled through firmware updates.
What is RED (EU) 2022/30?
The RED directive is EU legislation that sets essential requirements for radio equipment. With the update (EU) 2022/30, it now includes mandatory cybersecurity protections for any connected device sold in the EU after 1 August 2025.
The directive doesn’t just say, “Be secure.” It sets specific expectations:
- Devices must protect network integrity
- Safeguard personal data and privacy
- Prevent fraud through secure communications and updates
To comply, manufacturers need a clear technical approach, which is where EN 18031 comes in.
How Zaptec complies: using EN 18031 to meet RED requirements
To meet the RED directive’s cybersecurity requirements, Zaptec follows EN 18031, the European standard that defines how connected devices should be designed, built, and maintained for security.
EN 18031 covers:
- Secure firmware and software updates.
- Access control and authentication.
- Data protection and encryption.
- Resilience against emerging cyber threats.
Zaptec products are aligned with EN 18031, and compliance is verified by a notified body. Testing is completed through NEMKO, with certification formalised to meet the requirements of the RED directive.
Our products are installed in homes, housing associations, workplaces, and larger commercial sites. As EV charging infrastructure becomes smarter and more connected, protecting it from digital threats is not just good practice, it's a requirement.
To stay compliant, Zaptec charging stations need to run the latest firmware.
Firmware and compliance: what you need to know
Firmware updates provide vital enhancements, security patches, and new functionalities that ensure the charging station meets the legal standard over time. Because firmware may be updated between manufacturing and installation, the installer is responsible for ensuring the charger is running the latest version.
Here's how Zaptec handles it:
- All devices sold after August 1st, 2025, are compliant.
- A firmware update is required for the chargers to be compliant.
- Zaptec Sense is supplied from the factory with compliant firmware.
As an installer, you’ll be guided through the process. As a user or partner, no additional action is required.
What about older Zaptec chargers?
RED (EU) 2022/30 only applies to chargers sold after August 1st, 2025.
Zaptec chargers already in use aren’t legally required to comply with the RED cybersecurity requirements.
However, we continue to support older chargers with security updates remotely, where possible, for safety, performance, and stability.
Firmware update: step-by-step
Here's how to make sure firmware is updated during setup using the Zaptec App:
- Open and log in to the Zaptec App.
- Tap the menu at the top and choose Configure products.
- Connect to the charger via Bluetooth.
- Enter the charger's PIN code.
- Tap Update charger under Advanced settings.
For the full installation guides, see:
Security across all connection types
Whether you connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet over PLC (Power Line Communication), or 4G LTE-M, the same security model applies.
Zaptec’s architecture includes:
- End-to-end encryption.
- Role-based access control.
- Digitally signed firmware.
- Secure device authentication
Zaptec’s architecture ensures that security is applied consistently, whether the product is installed in a single home or as part of a larger commercial deployment.
Summary
- Zaptec products meet EN 18031, the cybersecurity standard for connected devices.
- This ensures compliance with RED (EU) 2022/30, effective August 1st, 2025.
- Compliance is verified by a notified body.
- Firmware updates are required for compliance and handled via the app or remote updates
- Installers must update firmware during setup.
- Chargers sold before August 1st, 2025 are not legally required to comply with the RED directive.
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