EECA has updated its Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for electric vehicle (EV) chargers for residential use.
The previous version of this guidance was developed to respond to increasing uptake of EVs in New Zealand and a need to provide consumers with quality guidance on safe and efficient home chargers. The PAS has now been updated to include information on the specification of ‘smart’ EV chargers. ‘Smart’ EV chargers have the capacity to respond to peak electricity demand, which helps to manage load on the electricity grid, and can reduce your charging costs.
EVs are typically sold with a portable charger intended for back-up use when needed, sort of like an emergency spare wheel. The safest and best way to charge your EV at home is using a wall-mounted charging unit that is connected into the electrical wiring of your home. Please refer to manufacturer instructions (for appropriate charging levels) and WorkSafe guidelines (for safety).
This PAS describes the types of EV chargers suitable for use in residential homes. It provides an overview of things you need to know and questions to ask sellers of vehicles and chargers. It also includes a technical specification for energy efficient, safe, and smart residential chargers that will perform well for many years.
This PAS is guidance and will not impose any requirements on sellers, importers, or manufacturers. It aims to help retailers and suppliers of EVs and chargers to align to best practice and give consumers the information they need to make future-proofed choices about how to charge their EV at home at the lowest possible cost.
By building on existing progress in building a national EV charging network, we will help ensure residential charging stations are optimised for energy efficiency and capable of participating in a demand flexible electricity system.
The PAS is free to download via Standards New Zealand.