What Are The EV Charging Standards?
30 May 2023
Amelia Nikles-Ralph
From electric power distribution to the size of switchboards, technical products cannot endure without defined standards and electric vehicle chargers are no exception.
Malfunctions in charging infrastructure have the potential to have fatal consequences for EV drivers, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks and benchmarks, as well as certification processes. Globally, we’re seeing that as electric vehicles become more mainstream, industry protocols, charging connections, and communication technologies are becoming more standardised.
What are the different connection types?
Australia does not have a standard mandating a single type of EV charging plug, which has resulted in a mix of the North American and European types being used. Practically, this means that there are many EVs around Australia that use different types of both AC and DC chargers.
Despite this, the most common type of plug used in Australia for AC charging is the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector. Type 2 chargers have a 7-pin plug that supports single-phase and three-phase charging up to 22kW and are used across both public and home charging stations across Australia. Examples of cars that use Type 2 Connectors include the Kia Niro PHEV, Nissan Lead, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Combined System Charging (CCS2) and Charge de Move (CHAdeMO) are the go-to for DC charging. CCS connectors are more universal than their CHAdeMO counterparts and can offer both AC and DC charging from the same port, whereas CHAdeMO requires an additional connector.
What are the charging mode standards?
Here at EVOS, our products are both IEC 61851 and IEC 61851-21-2 and EU RoHS Directive Compliant. IEC 61851-1 is an international standard that stipulates both the requirements and testing methods for EV charging systems and was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Not only does this standard define conductive charging systems, but also covers the compatibility of different components within the system and outlines the different charging modes.
Mode 1 charging involves an EV using a cable and plug to connect to a standard household socket. In Mode 2, a specific charging cable combined with an in-cable control and protection device prevents overcharging by inbuilt protection and control capacity. Mode 3 has an EVSE that communicates with the vehicle to negotiate charging parameters like speed and time. Finally, Mode 4 (DC fast charging) uses a high-power charger to directly provide DC power to the vehicle’s battery.
How do installation standards work?
EV charger installation must comply with the Australian Standards, which are procedures that ensure products perform both safely and reliably.
Firstly, the AS/NZS 3000:3018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) AS/NZS 3000:2018 stipulates the technical rules for electricians to design and verify installations, to ensure they are fit for purpose.
The regulations outlined in AS/NZS 3017:2022 Electrical Installations – Verification by Inspection and Testing AS/NZS 3017-2022 describe the inspection methods required to demonstrate that installations comply with safety requirements for fire and electric shock prevention.
EVOS Energy is committed to exceeding international EV charging standards, providing the highest quality energy solutions.
If you have any questions about how EVOS complies with EV charging standards, reach out to our friendly sales team at sayhi@evos.com.au
