This week, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from two key EV charging manufacturers who are eager to collaborate in clarifying the complexities surrounding EVSE equipment certification. A significant portion of our discussions focused on the challenges posed by evolving legislation and how it is being interpreted and enforced across the state of California.

These manufacturers voiced their collective frustration with the difficulties of understanding their roles and responsibilities in meeting compliance demands throughout the state. Unlike many other regions where Weights and Measures programs operate under a unified state framework, California’s system is fragmented. While the California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) is a statewide legislative requirement, its interpretation and enforcement are handled at the county level, leading to inconsistencies that create confusion and inefficiencies.

Key Concerns Raised by EVSE Manufacturers

1. Scarce Resources for Certification Testing
   Manufacturers expressed that resources are limited for completing the necessary installation testing required for certification. The process lacks a standardized approach, further complicating their ability to meet regulatory demands efficiently.
2. Fragmented Registration Process
   Registration forms and methods are not unified, making it difficult to navigate compliance across different counties. Each region appears to have its own way of managing and tracking EVSE certification, which leads to delays and additional costs.
3. Need for End-of-Line Testing
   There was strong support for legislative action to permit end-of-line testing as an alternative to field testing for initial certification. This shift would allow manufacturers to verify compliance before deployment, streamlining the process and reducing delays in bringing new chargers online.
4. Managing Legacy Infrastructure
   A major concern is the fate of the 150,000+ public and shared private legacy chargers already installed in California. As agencies ramp up enforcement and begin testing and red-tagging non-compliant equipment, charger owners face uncertainty about how this will impact their ability to maintain uptime and provide reliable service to EV drivers.

TESCO Metering’s Role in the Solution

At TESCO Metering, we are actively engaged in conversations at the state level, advocating for solutions that balance regulatory compliance with industry practicality. We recognize that all stakeholders—manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and infrastructure operators—are striving to increase efficiency and uphold consumer protections while maintaining a growing EV ecosystem.

• Expanding Registered Service Agent (RSA) Availability
  We are working to increase the number of RSAs across California, ensuring that certified professionals are available to support testing and compliance needs more effectively.
• Advancing End-of-Line Test Equipment
  To support long-term sustainability, we continue to develop and refine test equipment that enables manufacturers to conduct accurate and reliable compliance testing before deployment, reducing costly post-installation delays.

TESCO Metering remains committed to collaborating with industry leaders, regulators, and service providers to navigate these challenges and create a more efficient, standardized approach to EVSE compliance. As the industry grows, so must our ability to adapt and create solutions that benefit all stakeholders while ensuring that consumer protection remains a priority.

If you’re a manufacturer, installer, or regulatory professional looking to be part of this conversation, let’s connect. Together, we can work toward a more efficient, consistent, and sustainable EVSE compliance landscape.