Standards and Codes for Reliability and Safety
Overview
Establishing a regulatory framework for charging standards, equipment certification, and installation codes is crucial for creating a consistent, reliable, and safe operating environment for electric vehicles (EVs). Given the highly interrelated nature of EV charging technology, adopting and enforcing appropriate EV and charging station standards and codes is essential. This framework ensures that vehicles can be operated safely, batteries can be charged without fires or diminishing the quality of the grid’s electricity, and that there is interoperability between different types of EVs and EV charging infrastructure to foster consumer confidence in the long-term viability of charging technologies.
EV standards are well established for four-wheeled EVs, and largely adhered to by the sophisticated manufacturers of these vehicles. However, standards and regulatory frameworks for two- and three-wheelers (including micromobility) are still under development in many parts of the world in response to safety and reliability risks. Guidance for how to best standardize these smaller vehicles, along with the standards available and case studies of countries and cities leading the way, is available in Khan et al. 2024. This guidance also includes battery swap systems for two- and three-wheelers.
Charging station standards provide specifications for manufacturers to design and build EV charging infrastructure with connectors compatible with vehicle charging inlets. These standards outline the design of charging connectors, basic safety requirements, and charging limitations. EV charging infrastructure is classified into different levels based on the rate at which EV batteries are charged, with varying standards for each level. Charging standards are typically developed by national or international nongovernmental organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted and enforced by national governments.
Equipment certification is a key component of this framework, ensuring that EV and related charging products comply with charging standards and are safe for use. Independent testing laboratories, like Underwriters Laboratories and Electrical Testing Laboratories, conduct rigorous performance, safety, and quality tests before certifying products. Governments often require certification from these recognized laboratories to ensure that installed EV chargers meet safety and performance standards.
Installation codes are crucial for establishing electrical requirements that ensure safe and reliable interconnection with the utility grid, as well as construction requirements for buildings housing EV charging infrastructure. For instance, the National Fire Protection Association’s National Electric Code (Article 625) details the electrical installation requirements for EV charging infrastructure, including branch circuits and overcurrent protection. Similarly, the International Code Council’s International Building Code outlines requirements for electrical circuits and equipment in commercial and residential settings.
Figure 1. EV Regulatory Framework (Building Blocks of Electric Vehicle Deployment: A Guide for Developing Countries).
While numerous charging standards have been developed, only a few have gained widespread adoption. The IEC 61851 standard, for example, classifies EV charging infrastructure into four modes based on operating voltage, power delivery, and safety features. Permanently installed EV charging units with internet-based communication, such as Modes 3 and 4, can offer enhanced power management capabilities, benefiting both utilities and consumers. Read more about EV charging modes per IEC standard in the Charging Infrastructure Technical Theme.
Battery swapping technology offers a promising solution for rapid charging, particularly for two- and three-wheelers. The Swappable Battery Consortium for Electric Motorcycles aims to standardize swappable batteries and replacement systems to promote electric motorcycle adoption. With the rapid evolution of EV charging technologies, utilities play a crucial role in ensuring that EV charging equipment standards are compatible with grid infrastructure and in fostering two-way communication with EV and EV charging infrastructure manufacturers.
Key Actions for Developing Safe and Reliable Standards and Codes
To develop a robust regulatory framework for EV charging infrastructure, several key actions should be undertaken to ensure that codes and standards are effective, comprehensive, and consistently enforced.
- Review and Enforce the Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework for EVs, including charging standards, equipment certifications, and installation codes, should be thoughtfully reviewed and consistently enforced. Policymakers can select and adopt charging standards appropriate for their region and formally recognize equipment testing laboratories that ensure the safety of new technology. It is crucial for policymakers to update installation codes to remove barriers to EV charging infrastructure installations, including amending existing building codes to facilitate future charging installations with necessary electrical capacity and prewiring. Such updates are often referred to as "EV Make-Ready" or "EV Capable" requirements.
- Conduct Holistic Framework Assessments: Policymakers should review existing codes and standards to understand their impact on EV charging infrastructure deployment and adoption. This involves evaluating whether current regulations facilitate or hinder EV charger installations and making necessary modifications to accommodate technological advancements. By considering regional EV adoption patterns and vehicle manufacturers' standards, policymakers can adopt charging standards that ease cross-border EV travel and increase vehicle model availability.
- Ensure Interoperability and Open Communications Protocols: Interoperability and open communications protocols enable EV charging infrastructure to function as a cohesive system, enhancing accessibility and convenience for users. Charging networks should employ EV charging equipment that support open communications protocols, allowing for seamless integration and operation across different networks. This approach prevents stranded assets if a charging network goes out of business and supports diverse payment options and real-time status updates for users.
- Support Regional and International Collaboration: Incorporating insights from both regional and international standards can enhance the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and compatibility between vehicle populations and charging infrastructure.
- Foster Continuous Review and Adaptation: As EV technology evolves and new standards become available, continuous review and adaptation of technical standards and regulations are necessary. Regular assessments ensure that the regulatory framework remains relevant and effective in promoting safe, reliable, and interoperable EV charging infrastructure. Policymakers should stay informed about emerging technologies and adjust codes and standards accordingly to support ongoing EV adoption and infrastructure development. For example, after New York City experienced a high number of micromobility battery fires, the city implemented a requirement that all micromobility devices sold must be UL certified.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Partnership, through the Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia, developed a comprehensive set of video modules on the fundamentals of EV deployment, with specific attention paid to Southeast Asian contexts. These video modules were developed for a virtual course, held in 2021, with participants from Southeast Asian energy and transport sector organizations, and includes an overview of EV standards and communication protocols.
Additionally, the USAID-NREL Partnership is guiding Pakistan's transition to electric two- and three-wheelers by providing crucial support for the development and adoption of standards related to vehicle safety, charging infrastructure, and battery swap stations. Clear standards are essential to prevent issues such as incompatible charging equipment, unreliable vehicles, and disruptions to the electricity grid. Drawing on international and local best practices, the partnership assists Pakistan in navigating the standards development process by providing insights into the roles of international standards organizations and offering guidance on classification, testing, and the adoption of vehicle, battery, and charging infrastructure standards. This tailored support equips Pakistan to build a safe and efficient EV ecosystem aligned with global practices.
Read more about USAID-NREL Partnership projects here and explore how we are driving innovative solutions in clean energy and sustainable transport.
Resources
Electric Vehicle Standards for the Pacific Region
Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility, 2024
The report focuses on addressing the barriers to adopting electric mobility in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by developing a regional e-mobility policy and standards for electric vehicle imports, charging infrastructure, and end-of-life management, with an emphasis on filling knowledge gaps and providing a roadmap for the implementation of these standards to support sustainable electric vehicle markets.
Standards Guidance for Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers and Charging Infrastructure in Pakistan
USAID-NREL Partnership, 2024
This report discusses the electrification of Pakistan’s transportation system, emphasizing the need for a robust market of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and related charging infrastructure, including battery swap stations. It highlights the importance of developing standards to ensure safety, quality, and interoperability of EVs, EV charging stations (EVCSs), and battery swap stations, drawing on existing standards from the European Commission, UNEP, India, and Malaysia.
Roadmap of Standards and Codes for Electric Vehicles at Scale
ANSI Electric Vehicles Standards Panel (EVSP), 2023
In support of the Biden Administration’s clean energy goals, the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office issued a funding opportunity to address challenges in integrating large-scale EV charging with the grid. A consortium led by Argonne National Laboratory developed a roadmap to identify and address gaps in EV codes and standards, focusing on light-duty and heavy-duty EVs, charging infrastructure, and grid integration. The roadmap includes 37 identified gaps and recommendations, aiming to create a coordinated approach to future EV standardization.
Building Blocks of Electric Vehicle Deployment: A Guide for Developing Countries
USAID-NREL Partnership, 2021
This report lays out a framework for policymakers, regulators, and other decision-makers in developing countries for how to plan, implement, and scale EV deployment in their jurisdictions. The “building blocks” of EV deployment address technical, institutional, or economic topics that together underpin a safe, sustainable, and efficient transition to an electrified transport sector.
Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Codes and Standards Chart
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2021
Many standards development organizations (SDOs) are working to develop codes and standards needed for the utilization of alternative fuel vehicle technologies. This brief document contains two graphics that list SDOs that are developing standards related to EV deployment.
USAID-NREL Partnership, 2020
This presentation introduces technical standards for EVSE, specifically addressing connections between EVSE and vehicles, as well as between EVSE and the grid. Although the context is focused on Lao, the technical standards and principles discussed are broadly applicable to general audiences interested in EVSE infrastructure and integration.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Standards and Communication Protocols
USAID-NREL Partnership
This lecture covers the basic structure of charging standards, common codes, communications (across different charging networks), interoperability protocols for seamless connectivity, and synergies with the grid as well as other EV ecosystem stakeholders (i.e., buildings, EVSE manufacturers, urban planners).
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
The IEC 61851 standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), outlines the general requirements for EV charging systems, covering both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging infrastructure. It includes specific guidance on communication between the vehicle and charging station, safety measures to prevent electric shock, and considerations for various charging methods. IEC 61851-23:2014 specifically addresses DC fast charging (DCFC) stations, while IEC 61851-1:2010 provides overarching requirements for all types of EV charging systems, incorporating risk assessments due to evolving technical developments.
ISO 43.120 Electric Road Vehicles
International Standards Organization (ISO)
The webpage provides an overview of ISO standards related to the safety, functionality, and performance of electrically propelled road vehicles, including specifications for power transfer, battery systems, communication interfaces, and testing procedures.
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