Summary of the electric vehicle supply equipment owner/operator working group consultation

Measurement Canada created the EVSE owner/operator working group to consult with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) owners and operators in order to identify their key concerns. Through this consultation, Measurement Canada aims to gather insights to help develop policies and procedures necessary to create an effective metrology program for EVSE.

Measurement Canada's mandate is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of trade measurement in Canada through the administration and enforcement of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations. Based on our other EVSE information-gathering activities (Deloitte's research on domestic and international EV policies and programs, EV consumer consultation, EVSE manufacturer working group consultation), there is a strong desire to see billing based on energy delivered when an electric vehicle (EV) battery is recharged. Canadian legislation requires that whenever charges for electricity are based on a metered value, the meter must be approved for use by Measurement Canada. In this regard, electric vehicle chargers that include a metering function must also be approved for use by Measurement Canada before they can be used to establish a bill for the energy consumed by an EV during a recharging event. Currently, Canada does not have any specifications, standards, or codes that can confirm the suitability of EV chargers in the Canadian marketplace.

This working group focuses on addressing concerns about field verifications, billing, display requirements, legacy devices as well as other concerns. In addition, Measurement Canada is taking steps to protect consumers' right to fair and accurate measurement when purchasing a charge for their EV based on a kilowatt-hour (kWh) measurement. As part of this work, Measurement Canada is developing performance-based requirements to help minimize costs and the regulatory burden for EV charging station operators and supply equipment manufacturers. There are over 30 participants in this working group representing different parts of Canada and different industry sectors, including utility companies, manufacturers, and commercial operators.

At its first meeting, the working group reviewed and approved its terms of reference. Updates on specification development and a review of consultation activities were also presented to the group. Potential topics like contractor registration, grandfathering provisions and display requirements were discussed briefly.

The group provided input on a draft kWh standard. Moving forward, this feedback will be reviewed and assimilated into the ongoing efforts of other working groups that are providing feedback on development of the kWh standards.

The working group held its second meeting in early November. At this meeting, an overview of Measurement Canada programs and operations was presented to the group to ensure participants maintain context when discussing EVSE concerns.

The third meeting of the working group was held late in November. The working group was provided with draft OIML specifications for EVSE prior to the meeting. During the meeting, members' comments on the draft requirements were discussed.

The working group met in December to discuss comments on a draft specification on Measurement Canada requirements for EVSE. The draft requirements were provided to the members of the working group a few weeks before the meeting. Some members also brought up additional concerns relating to EVSE approvals and verifications. These are expected to be discussed at future meetings.

Next steps

There will be additional working group meetings held in 2022. These meetings will include discussions on draft approval requirements and on potential programs and policies for testing legacy EVSE already in service. In addition, they will include discussions relating to verification strategies for newly installed EVSE. Further discussions also need to take place in relation to programs for DC (direct current) EVSE.