For an AC charger for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the Chinese market, manufacturers must adhere to various national standards and regulations set by Chinese authorities, including GB standards, regulatory approvals, and testing requirements. These requirements ensure safety, interoperability, and compliance with the local grid and EV specifications.
Key Regulatory Framework
Mandatory Certification – China Compulsory Certification (CCC)
- CCC Mark: Mandatory for all EV chargers in China.
- Covers product safety, environmental protection, and performance.
- Certification process includes factory inspections and product testing by accredited Chinese laboratories.
State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC)
- Chargers must comply with the SGCC requirements for interoperability with the Chinese electricity grid.
- Includes smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionalities.
Local Standards and Administrative Rules
- Compliance with local regulations specific to installation, operation, and grid connection.
National Standards for AC Chargers
GB/T Standards
China’s GB/T standards define technical and safety requirements for EVSE:
- GB/T 18487.1-2015: General requirements for conductive charging systems.
- GB/T 20234.1-2015: Connection set standards for conductive charging.
- GB/T 20234.2-2015: Specifies the AC charging interface (plug and socket) for the Chinese market.
- GB/T 34657.1-2017: Safety requirements for EV charging equipment.
- GB/T 27930-2021: Communication protocols between EVs and chargers.
Safety and Performance Standards
- GB/T 33594-2017: Safety requirements for AC EV chargers.
- GB/T 18487.2-2001: Performance standards for EVSE.
Electrical Safety and Protection Requirements
Electrical Safety Testing
- Insulation resistance: Ensures no leakage current.
- Dielectric withstand voltage: Verifies high-voltage protection.
- Ground continuity: Checks proper grounding of the equipment.
- Overload and short-circuit protection: Ensures system safety during faults.
Residual Current Protection
- Must include Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Ground Fault Protection as per GB standards.
EMC Compliance
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Chargers must meet EMC requirements for immunity and emissions:
- GB/T 17626.2-2018: Electrostatic discharge immunity.
- GB/T 17626.4-2018: Immunity to electrical fast transients/bursts.
- GB/T 17626.5-2018: Surge immunity.
- GB/T 9254-2008: Limits for conducted and radiated emissions.
Interoperability and Communication
GB/T Communication Protocols
- GB/T 27930-2021: Specifies communication between EVSE and EV for energy transfer control.
- Ensures compatibility with Chinese EVs and grid systems.
Smart Charging and V2G
- Support for bidirectional communication for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications.
- Compliance with State Grid Corporation standards for grid interoperability.
Environmental and Durability Testing
Environmental Protection
- Chargers must pass environmental tests to ensure reliability in various conditions:
- GB/T 2423: Environmental testing for temperature, humidity, and vibration.
- GB/T 4208-2017: Ingress protection (IP rating), requiring at least IP54 for outdoor use.
Mechanical Durability
- Mechanical impact resistance tests.
- Durability of connectors and cables as per GB/T 20234.2.
Energy Efficiency and Power Quality
Energy Efficiency Standards
- Compliance with China’s energy-saving standards for EV chargers.
- Support for high charging efficiency (>90%) and low standby power consumption.
Power Quality
- Compliance with harmonic distortion limits as per GB/T 14549-1993.
- Stable power factor close to unity.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Cybersecurity Compliance
- Secure communication protocols to protect against hacking and tampering.
- Encryption of communication between the EV, charger, and backend system.
Data Privacy
- Adherence to the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) for any user data collection or processing.
Installation and Grid Connection
Installation Requirements
- Compliance with GB/T 50065-2011 for installation of EV charging stations.
- Grid connection requirements must be coordinated with local utilities and SGCC.
Load Balancing
- Chargers must include load balancing features to prevent grid overload during peak hours.
Labeling and Documentation
Labeling Requirements
- Chargers must include the following:
- CCC mark.
- Input/output voltage and current specifications.
- Environmental ratings (e.g., IP rating).
- Manufacturer details.
Documentation
- User manuals in Chinese, including installation and safety instructions.
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC) with GB/T standards.
Certification and Testing Process
Accredited Testing Agencies
- Testing must be conducted by labs accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) or other authorized bodies.
CCC Certification Process
- Submit application to CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration of China).
- Product testing at accredited labs for compliance with GB standards.
- Factory inspection for quality management.
- Issuance of CCC certificate upon successful compliance.
Smart Charging and Government Integration
Government Integration
- Chargers must integrate with the National Monitoring and Management Platform for EV Charging Infrastructure managed by SGCC.
- Support for real-time monitoring, billing, and fault detection.
Incentive Eligibility
- Compliance with government policies and local incentives for EVSE deployment.
Additional Considerations
Localization
- Adherence to Chinese language, units, and specifications in all interfaces and documentation.
- Ensure compatibility with GB/T 20234 standard connectors (specific to the Chinese market).
Export Considerations
- Exported chargers must meet local Chinese homologation standards before sale.
To successfully enter the Chinese market, manufacturers of EV AC Chargers must strictly adhere to electric vehicle homologation requirements outlined by Chinese authorities. Compliance with GB standards, the China Compulsory Certification (CCC), and interoperability guidelines from the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) is essential for approval.
These EV AC Chargers must meet rigorous standards for electrical safety, EMC compliance, environmental durability, and energy efficiency, ensuring they are reliable and compatible with the local grid and EV ecosystem. Additionally, smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities are critical components of the electric vehicle homologation process.
By focusing on quality, cybersecurity, and user-centric design, manufacturers can ensure their EV AC Chargers meet all regulatory requirements, paving the way for seamless integration and widespread adoption in the rapidly expanding Chinese EV market.
FAQ
Q: What is homologation testing?
Homologation testing is the process of certifying that a vehicle, component, or system meets the regulatory and safety standards of a specific country or region. It ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and performance criteria.
Q: What is the full form of CCC in the automotive industry?
The full form of CCC is “China Compulsory Certification.” It is a mandatory certification in China for vehicles and automotive components to confirm compliance with Chinese safety, environmental, and quality standards.
Q: What is the difference between type approval and homologation?
Type approval certifies specific components or systems of a vehicle, while homologation ensures the entire vehicle meets all legal, safety, and environmental standards for a specific region. Homologation is broader and includes type approval as part of the process.
Q: Why is homologation important?
Homologation is important because it:
- Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Promotes safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
- Facilitates market access in different regions or countries.
- Maintains environmental and quality standards in the automotive industry.