A Comprehensive Guide to the Core Standards Behind Reliable EV Charging Infrastructure

For manufacturers aiming to build reliable, compliant, and future-proof EV charging equipment, understanding these standards is not optional—it is essential. High-quality charging stations and charging connectors can only be developed by strictly following these internationally recognized specifications.

Below is an overview of the most important global EV charging standardsthat define today’s charging ecosystem.

IEC 62196 – Plugs, Socket-Outlets, Vehicle Connectors and Vehicle Inlets

Conductive Charging of Electric Vehicles

IEC 62196 defines EV charging connectors based on power transmission methods, protection requirements, and communication protocols. It categorizes conductive charging into four modes:

• Mode 1
  AC charging at low current (e.g., light electric vehicles), without communication.
• Mode 2
  AC charging as a temporary solution using a standard household socket with an in-cable control and protection device (ICCB). Communication is based on Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
• Mode 3
  AC charging up to 63 A with advanced control and safety features. Charging power can be dynamically controlled through communication.
• Mode 4
  DC (and AC) charging with high-level communication. An external charger enables ultra-fast DC charging.

IEC 61851 – Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System

IEC 61851 specifies the general characteristics, operating conditions, and safety requirements for EV conductive charging systems, including EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

• IEC 61851-1– General requirements
• IEC 61851-23– DC electric vehicle charging stations
• IEC 61851-24– Digital communication between DC charging stations and EVs

IEC 61980 – Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for Electric Vehicles

IEC 61980 applies to wireless charging systemsthat transfer energy from the power grid to an EV without physical connectors. It supports power delivery to rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) and other onboard electrical systems.

ISO 15118 – Road Vehicles – Vehicle-to-Grid Communication Interface

ISO 15118 defines high-level communication protocolsbetween EVs and charging stations, supporting AC charging, DC charging, pantograph charging, and wireless charging. It is a key enabler of smart charging and grid stability.

Key parts include:

• ISO 15118-1 – General information and use cases
• ISO 15118-2 – Network and application protocol requirements
• ISO 15118-3 – Physical and data link layer requirements
• ISO 15118-4 – Conformance testing (network & application layer)
• ISO 15118-5 – Conformance testing (physical & data link layer)
• ISO 15118-8 – Wireless communication requirements
• ISO 15118-9 – Wireless communication conformance testing
• ISO 15118-20– Second-generation network and application protocol (released in 2023)

IEC 63110 – EV Charging and Discharging Infrastructure Management

IEC 63110 specifies communication protocols between charging stations and backend systems, covering operational requirements, energy management, and data exchange across the EV ecosystem. In the future, this standard may replace existing backend protocols.

SAE J1772 – EV and Plug-in Hybrid Conductive Charge Coupler

SAE J1772 defines the physical, electrical, and functional requirements for conductive charging connectors and vehicle inlets. It is widely used in North America and is considered a predecessor to ISO 15118.

Charging levels include:

• Level 1– AC charging from a 120V household outlet
• Level 2– AC charging at 208–240V, single-phase
• Level 3– DC charging up to 400 A and 240 kW

SAE J2954 – Wireless Power Transfer for Light-Duty EVs

SAE J2954 specifies wireless charging for residential and public applications, focusing on safety, performance, interoperability, and electromagnetic field evaluation. Current scope includes stationary, unidirectional charging, with future expansion toward dynamic and bidirectional use.

DIN SPEC 70121 – DC Charging Communication for CCS

DIN SPEC 70121 defines CAN-based digital communication between DC charging stations and EVs within the CCS system. It is the German predecessor of ISO 15118-2.

DIN SPEC 70122 – Conformance Testing for DC Charging Communication

This standard specifies conformance tests based on DIN SPEC 70121, ensuring interoperability between EVs and DC charging stations.

GB/T 18487.1 – Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System (China)

GB/T standards are issued by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC). GB/T 18487.1 defines safety, communication, connection, and performance requirements between EVs and EVSE, including protection against electric shock, overload, and short circuits.

GB/T 20234 – EV Charging Connection Set (China)

• GB/T 20234.2– AC connector similar in appearance to Type 2, but with different control signaling
• GB/T 20234.3– DC charging standard supporting up to 250 kW

GB/T 27930 – Communication Protocol Between EV Charger and BMS

GB/T 27930 standardizes CAN-based communication between external conductive chargers and the vehicle’s Battery Management System (BMS), covering physical, data link, and application layers.

CHAdeMO – DC Fast Charging Protocol

CHAdeMO is a CAN-based DC charging protocol supporting up to 400 kW, making it suitable for passenger vehicles as well as buses and trucks. It also supports high-voltage (up to 1 kV) charging with liquid-cooled cables and plug-and-charge functionality.

CHAdeMO 3.0 / ChaoJi-2is backward compatible with CHAdeMO 2.x and can be extended via additional CAN signaling.

OCPP – Open Charge Point Protocol

Developed by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), OCPP enables communication between charging stations and charging management systems.

• OCPP 1.6J– Most widely used version
• OCPP 2.0.1– Latest version with enhanced security and configurability

These versions are not backward compatible. In the long term, IEC 63110may supersede OCPP.

NexwayEV – Professional EV Charging Connector Manufacturer

At NexwayEV, we specialize in the design and manufacturing of high-quality EV charging gun heads (charging connectors and plugs)that fully comply with global standards such as IEC 62196, SAE J1772, GB/T 20234, CCS, and CHAdeMO.

Our products are engineered for:

• AC and DC charging applications
• High-current and high-voltage performance
• Excellent durability, safety, and thermal management
• Full compatibility with international EV charging infrastructure

By aligning strictly with international standards, NexwayEV helps customers worldwide build safe, reliable, and future-ready EV charging solutions.