EVCAN | Reliable EV Charging Solutions for a Connected Future
EV Charge Station Management Systems Specification (CSMS V1.0)
EVCAN seeks to respond to current challenges with the interoperability, accessibility, and reliability of available EV charging solutions. Our team has been working with a group of utility stakeholders to identify market gaps where clear technical criteria will help accelerate the deployment of reliable, connected, and accessible EV charging.
While the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Programs have worked to establish foundational requirements for public charging hardware, more can be done to encourage consistent criteria for the implementation of industry standards in interoperability, cybersecurity, monitoring and control, energy management and data reporting.
Encouraging clarity in charge management functionality and industry standard certification will support the scale of managed charging and/or load flexibility utility programs unlocking economic and societal benefits as more EVs are on the road.
This Specification establishes eligibility for EV Charge Management Systems to be listed on the EVCAN qualified product list (QPL). The EVCAN QPL will be a tool for Utility program managers, municipalities, government agencies, and advocacy groups seeking objective information about charge management system performance. A qualified CSMS on the QPL provides credence in the CSMSās ability to integrate easily with one or multiple electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) for various charging scenarios.
Goals for Version 1.0
- Validate end-to-end integration and interoperability of Charge Station Management Systems to enable scaled deployment and avoid premature obsolescence.
- Enable reliable and efficient charge and energy management functions to support a variety of use cases.
- Accelerate deployment of safe, reliable, accessible, and connected EV charging systems.
- Drive the adoption of industry-leading standards.
The Specification was initially developed by EVCAN staff and a technical consultant. Additional input came from EVCANās technical working group of utility program staff that have prior experience working with charge station management systems for utility EV infrastructure and managed charging programs.
The Specification was shared with several charge management system providers for a 3-week comment period. Additional stakeholders were included for further insight based on their respective expertise in the industry. Further opportunities to provide comments will be ongoing as the EVCAN team works to enhance the CSMS Specification.
Why does the Specification matter?
As the demand for scaled EV charging installations increases, there is a need for smart, efficient, and scalable charging solutions that enhance reliability; orchestrate with other building loads, distributed energy resources (DERs), and grid needs; and overcome barriers at capacity-constrained locations. This Specification was developed with minimum technical criteria and system functions to aid in the operatorās and/or driverās adoption of managed charging strategies and other EV charging load management techniques. The QPL will help stakeholders (utility program managers, municipalities, government agencies, and advocacy groups) screen charge management systems for clarity in operational performance. Enabling broader acceptance of this Specification from utility programs across the country will provide consistency for the industry and buyers seeking to grow their charging capabilities.
What is the scope of the Specification?
These technical requirements cover the core functionality of Charge Station Management Systems (CSMS) utilized across private and public use cases focusing on safety, reliability, interoperability, grid integration, cybersecurity, and data reporting. Private use cases include single or multiple family residential charging, and commercial charging. Public use cases include the management of public charging infrastructure (e.g. charging stations located in parking lots, shopping centers, dedicated charging stations etc.).
This Specification focuses on site-independent requirements and aims to be agnostic of the selected architecture. To ensure CSMSs are interoperable with different charger types, platforms must use secure, non-proprietary communication protocols. Consequently, some EVSEs with embedded CSMS functionality that use proprietary communication protocols may not meet the requirements established for interoperability.
For more on scope, see the Specification.
What is covered by this edition of the Specification, and what is not?
This Specification does not apply to an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), which is hardware, also known as a charging station. An EVSE is a physical system where an electric vehicle can be charged. An EVSE has āone or more connectorsā for charging EVs.
This Specification applies to a CSMS (Charge Station Management System), which is software. A CSMS manages and controls EVSEs, enabling real time monitoring, remote configuration, and energy management. It can have the ability to control the amount of power exchanged between EVSE and an EV, optimize grid interaction through load management and integration with local energy resources, to support efficient and reliable charging operations. This software is sometimes known as a CMS (Charge Management System). The Specification uses the designation of Charge Station Management System from IEEE 2030.13, a āguide for the development of a functional specification for electric transportation fast charging station management and control systems, including the energy management and grid interaction functions.ā
For more definitions, see the Specification.
Why is EVCAN qualified to create this Specification?
EVCAN is an initiative of Efficiency Forward, a non-profit organization. Since 2011, Efficiency Forward, through its DesignLights Consortium (DLC) initiative, has published QPLs for utilities and provided third-party validation of safety, energy efficiency, interoperability, and energy management capabilities of LED Lighting and Lighting Controls. EVCAN uses a similar consortium model and stakeholder input process to the DLC to gather input on technical requirements and what is feasible for the industry. The DLC, on behalf of its members and stakeholders, set performance thresholds that helped increase the efficacy of LEDs by 30% over the last decade and can attribute over 1000 TWh of energy saved during the LED lighting revolution.
When will the QPL be available?
EVCAN will start accepting applications for charge station management systems in July 2025. The QPL will launch with the first set of products soon after, in Q3 2025.
How do I submit my products for the QPL?
Specific direction and supporting content to assist with the application process will be published in early July 2025. Refer to the Specification for guidance on evaluation methods and types of information that will be requested in the application process.
EVCAN will provide a simple, digital application process through its Application Portal. To access the Portal, a CSMS provider or manufacturer can create an account to submit and track pending applications.
Where can I send feedback and questions about the specification?
We encourage and welcome perspectives and feedback on the CSMS Specification. Please send your feedback to hello@evcan.org. We are excited to hear from you.