NTEP Column
Type Evaluation of an EVSE
Type evaluation should be an easy process. Send in the device, operate, test, and assure compliance. It sounds easy enough, but the operation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) requires the
collaboration of many parties. Ideally, when a device is provided for evaluation, the assessment might include the ID badge, required markings on the display screen, activation methods, operations, and receipts. If the device is correct and accurate, the make and model of that device is certified for commercial use. It can only be expected that changes will occur, and those changes will cause the device to vary from the original certificate. Unlike other devices, EVSE are not simple hardware. They require software and firmware, they require power suppliers, front-end support, back-end support, and standard communication protocols. These roles may be handled by one entity or by many. There is an EVBox Blog article: CPOs, Charge Point Owners, and EMSPs explained, which describes the partnership of these entities (when compared to hospitality), such that CPOs are like chefs, EMSPs are the waiters, and Charge Point Owners are the restauranteurs. It is this collaboration that allows these devices to operate.
Common terms that fall under the electromobility (e-mobility) umbrella also include:
CPO - Charge Point Operator- provides the back-end support for charging networks. CPOs manage procurement, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of each charger. Maintains service and connectivity to the grid, including OCPP standards. EMSP - E-Mobility Service Provider- provides front-end support for connecting EV drivers with charging stations. Provides apps and member subscriptions that allow users to connect to different CPOs, establishing customer experience and satisfaction. Charge Point Owner - The businesses and individuals who finance the charger for profit. Selects the CPOs and EMSP to operate the devices/sites that they own. EVSP- Electric Vehicle Service Provider- may offer all end-to-end EV charging services from EV charging operations to user experience.
OCPP - Open Charge Point Protocol- open-source protocol for communication of charging infrastructure and interoperability between EV charging equipment.
EVSE collaborations cause varying degrees of changes from a device’s type evaluation certificate. When an EVSE manufacturer submits their device for evaluation with their own User Interface (UI) software, and receipt processes, the device is certified in exactly that way; required markings are in specific locations and the receipts are provided as expected. Once that device is sold to another party, this is where those processes may change. EVSE are built-for-purpose software- based devices and thus, changes to software/firmware of these systems will cause the device to vary from its type-approval certificate. An entirely new UI software would require the device to undergo evaluation for a new certificate. Software and firmware changes may also affect accuracy; depending on the controls a provider has over a system. A new receipt operator may not be an issue if the receipts are compliant, but if the receipts are not, the Charge Point Owner will be notified to
4 NCWM-News
2024 Issue 2
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