Choosing an electric vehicle can indeed be confusing, particularly regarding charging times, range, plugs, connectors, and types of chargers. Today, we will provide you with EV charging rules, along with their regulations, and IEC standards.
EV Charging Rules
In February 2023, the Federal Highway Administration, in collaboration with the Joint Office of Energy & Transportation, introduced national regulations for electric vehicle chargers that receive federal funding. The main goal of these new EV charging rules and standards is to guarantee a consistent and dependable charging experience for electric vehicle users. Now, let’s discuss the EV charging station rules in detail.
EV Charging Stations Rules
The EV charging station rules ensure that drivers can effortlessly locate a charger, eliminating the need for multiple applications and/or accounts to charge.
The rules set out essential technical standards for charging stations based on the EV charging basics. These standards encompass the necessary number of charging ports, types of connectors, power levels, availability, payment methods, reliability, infrastructure network connectivity, and interoperability, along with other obligatory standards and requirements.
As per these new standards, the following things are to be fixed.
- To make charging a predictable and reliable experience, ensure the availability of consistent plug types and power levels.
- Maintain a minimum number of chargers compatible to support the fast charging needs of the drivers.
- Make sure EV drivers can easily find chargers by using mapping apps that provide data on charger locations, prices, availability, and accessibility.
- Drivers should be able to charge their vehicles without using multiple apps and accounts. They should only need one method of identification that works with all chargers.
Also Read: Can You Use a Portable Solar Charger for Electric Car?
EV Charging Regulations and Standards for Connectors
Apart from EV charging rules that are to be followed from the consumers’ end, there are some regulations and standards implemented on connectors. Based on the EV Charging Levels, electric cars have different charging connectors that fall into two categories: the standard Level 1 and 2 connectors, and the DC fast charging connectors. Let’s go through the EV charging regulations and standards for different connectors considering their charging conditions.
1. CCS Connectors
With Combined Charging Systems or CCS, you can now experience fast DC charging, allowing you to conveniently and swiftly charge your EV while on the go. The CCS socket is always paired with either a Type 2 or a Type 1 socket.
For example, in Europe, it is common to encounter the ‘CCS Combo 2’ connector, a charging solution that combines the Type 2 AC connector and the CCS DC connector into a single unit. A bottom DC connector in the tethered Combo 2 plug from the charging machine is capable of rapidly charging your EV without any involvement of Type 2.
Find out the maximum DC charging rate for the electric car you want to know about. For instance, the all-new Peugeot e-208 is capable of charging at an impressive rate of up to Swift kW DC, ensuring a remarkably swift charging experience.
To easily charge your car at home on AC using a CCS Combo 2 socket, you can plug in your regular Type 2 plug into the upper half. The lower part of the connector is left unused.
It is rapidly becoming popular among manufacturers of new models including Audi, BMW, Citroen, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Vauxhall / Opel, and VW.
There are numerous high-speed CCS charging stations available throughout the UK and Europe. While most of them have a 50 kW DC rating, it is worth noting that there has been a recent increase in the installations of 120 kW or 150 kW CCS chargers.
2. CHAdeMO
It was the first type of connector to be introduced. Japan continues to enjoy a strong presence of the CHAdeMO connector, which is widely used on electric vehicles manufactured by Japanese companies, including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Nissan.
3. ISO 15118 / Plug and Charge
You should learn about ISO 15118 and “Plug and Charge” features offered by EV automakers, regardless of the charger you use (AC or DC) or the connectors available.
Plug and Charge is one of the most prominent features that leverages this standard interface. The Plug and Charge protocol allows you to charge your electric vehicle at any charging station. It automatically communicates with the station and handles the billing process for the driver. In this situation, all drivers need to do is connect their EVs to the charging cable.
You can also check out other open protocols in the EV industry.
4. SAE J1772 (Levels 1 and 2)
SAE J1772 Electric Vehicle Adapter Standard plays a leading role in promoting vehicle electrification. It does this through its comprehensive voluntary consensus standards, professional development courses, and an expansive library of mobility engineering information – the largest of its kind.
Numerous countries are now actively contemplating banning the sale of new vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, signaling a significant development in the ongoing global push for vehicle electrification. Thomson Reuters reports that a total of 26 countries, three states, and the European Union have set their sights on putting an end to the sales of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040, with some even aiming for the ambitious target of 2030.
The central idea of SAE International revolves around a fundamental and dynamic concept: the synergy between different players in the industry enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of mobility.
Standards committees prioritize interoperability and ensure that transportation technology functions properly and keeps people safe worldwide. Take a look at some additional points that are relevant to this electrification process.
- The electrification process must adhere to five golden rules: safety, performance, longevity, affordability, and environmental impact.
- There are ongoing efforts to harmonize Smart-Grid standards with organizations and alliances such as ISO, IEC, utilities, IEEE, EPRI, ZigBee Alliance, and HomePlug Power Alliance.
- The US Department of Transportation’s NHSTA cooperative research project is focused on enhancing the safety of Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS).
- The SAE EV/Hybrid Vehicle Steering Committee boasts an impressive roster of 1,100 individual participants and 500 reputable companies.
- 10 subcommittees for EV and hybrid vehicles and 4 subcommittees for fuel cell standards have released a total of 66 standards.
- JPak offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for accessing SAE Ground Vehicle standards.
As you are aware of the EV charging rules and charging standards for connectors, now let’s take a look at the IEC standards related to EV charging.
Also See: Can You Plug an Electric Car Into a Regular Outlet?
IEC Standards Related to EV Charging
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) addresses critical matters, including the seamless integration of renewable energies and electric vehicles (EVs) into the electrical grid. The IEC 62196 series sets the standards for plugs, socket outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets used for EV charging.
With this, we wind up our guide to EV charging rules and regulations. We tried to cover the most of it and following them will ensure a good electric vehicle experience. For more such informational blogs on EVs, subscribe to our newsletters and stay up-to-date.
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