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Emerging Calibration Laws in the Fast EV Charging Market
With the rapid expansion of DC fast charging infrastructure, businesses looking to invest in this technology must be aware of current and upcoming calibration laws. Although these laws apply to both AC and DC chargers, implementing them for DC chargers is more complex due to higher power outputs and the lack of standardized measurement tools.
Building Trust in a New Era of Mobility
As drivers transition from traditional gas stations to EV charging stations, they must adjust to new habits, including how they monitor energy consumption. At a gas station, consumers trust the pump’s accuracy and know how to compare prices. Calibration laws aim to bring the same level of transparency and trust to EV charging by ensuring that charging stations provide clear, accurate information about energy usage and costs.
Global Overview of Calibration Laws
Calibration laws ensure that devices accurately measure the services or goods they provide, similar to how a scale in a supermarket measures weight. In the context of EV charging, this means that public chargers must measure and display the electricity delivered to a vehicle so customers know they’re paying for what they actually receive.
For businesses offering EV charging, providing a clear and transparent experience helps build trust and enhances consumer perception of their brand.
Charging Equipment Manufacturers Must Adapt
Governments worldwide are introducing or expanding calibration laws to ensure that EV drivers are fairly billed for their energy usage at public charging stations. These laws require manufacturers to integrate certified smart meters into their stations. These meters, along with software, must accurately track the energy consumed and its associated cost.
Germany’s calibration law is one of the strictest, introduced in 2019 and based on the EU’s Directive 2014/94/EU. It mandates that charge point operators provide transparent, comparable, and non-discriminatory pricing. This law ensures that EV drivers can precisely track their energy consumption and how they are billed. Charging station manufacturers must pass a stringent certification process to confirm their equipment is accurately calibrated, and even the production facility must meet certification standards.
French Calibration Law
France began enforcing calibration laws for EV charging with Decision n°22.00.570.001.1, effective March 1, 2022. This law outlines the testing and manufacturing requirements for DC charging equipment, overseen by the French National Laboratory for Metrology and Testing. All DC charging stations sold in France must be certified under this regulation.
California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP)
In California, all measuring devices must be approved under the state’s Division of Measurement Standards’ California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP). Since 2021, this program has included Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), meaning all public AC and DC charging stations must comply. This ensures that consumers are charged accurately, further building trust in the charging infrastructure.
Benefits and Challenges of Calibration Law Certification
Calibration laws play a vital role in ensuring transparency and protecting consumers from inaccurate data and manipulation. To achieve certification, charging station manufacturers must undergo inspections by independent third-party agencies to confirm compliance with the framework’s requirements.
For businesses, choosing a calibration law-compliant charging station ensures that their infrastructure is future-proof, reducing the risk of needing costly upgrades to meet future government standards.
Tags: #EV charging stations #California Type Evaluation Program #CTEP #Calibration Law #Eichrecht #n°22.00.570.001.1
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