Testing & Homologation Standard for Electric Vehicle – AC Charger Certification in the Japanese Market [Updated 2025]

ac charger

Table of Contents

For an AC charger for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the Japanese market, manufacturers must comply with specific standards and regulatory requirements related to safety, performance, interoperability, and grid compatibility. These requirements are primarily governed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), along with national and international standards.

Safety Certification Requirements

The primary certification requirement for EV AC chargers in the Japanese market is the PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Material) certification, which is mandatory for electrical products under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN)

Technical Standards and Testing Requirements

Basic Safety Requirements

  • Protection against electric shock and fire hazards
  • Direct/indirect contact protection
  • Insulation requirements
  • EMC compliance1

Compatibility Testing

  • Validation of basic functions including:
    • Connector connection verification
    • Charging preparation sequences
    • Pilot signal validation (voltage, frequency, pulse width)
  • Testing for improper use scenarios
  • Breakdown and abnormal state handling
  • Verification of reaction times during transitions

Homologation Process

The homologation process in Japan involves several key steps:

  1. Application submission
  2. Product testing
  3. Factory inspection
  4. Judging panel review
  5. Certificate & Sticker issuance
  6. Surveillance1

Key Details:

  • Surveillance frequency: Annual
  • Validity period: 3 years
  • Factory inspection includes QMS and delivery inspection verification1

Technical Standards Compliance

Required Standards:

  • IEC 61851-1: General requirements for EV conductive charging
  • IEC 62196: Connector specifications
  • Japanese electrical safety regulations

Power Output Requirements

As of recent regulations:

  • Minimum charging rate requirement: 90kW
  • High-demand areas requirement: 150kW
  • Current average output: 40kW

Infrastructure Requirements

Installation Guidelines:

  • Charging points must be installed every 70km on major highways
  • Pay-per-use system implementation required by FY2025

Additional Requirements

Communication Protocols:

  • Must support OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)
  • Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication capabilities
  • Compatibility with Japanese grid standards4

Remember that all testing and certification processes must be conducted through authorized Japanese testing laboratories and certification bodies

1. Regulatory Framework

a. Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE Certification)

  • The PSE (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials) certification is mandatory for EV chargers in Japan.
  • Covers safety testing for electrical components, including:
    • Protection against electric shock.
    • Overcurrent and overvoltage protection.
    • Fire safety.

b. Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) Certification

  • JET certification ensures compliance with Japanese electrical safety standards.
  • Includes detailed safety and performance tests for EV chargers.

c. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Regulations

  • METI oversees regulations related to EV charging infrastructure.
  • Focuses on energy efficiency, safety, and grid integration.

2. Standards for EV AC Chargers

a. JIS Standards (Japanese Industrial Standards)

  • JIS D 61851: Japanese adoption of the IEC 61851 standard for conductive charging systems.
    • General requirements, charging modes, and electrical safety.
  • JIS C 61173: Covers EMC requirements for EV charging equipment.

b. CHAdeMO Standards

  • While CHAdeMO is primarily for DC fast charging, interoperability with EVs using CHAdeMO standards is important for AC chargers when vehicles also support AC charging.

c. IEC Standards

Japan frequently harmonizes JIS standards with IEC standards:

  • IEC 62196-2: Specifies AC charging connectors (Type 1 for Japan).
  • IEC 61851-1: General requirements for EVSE.

3. Electrical Safety Requirements

a. Protection Against Electric Shock

  • Insulation resistance tests.
  • Dielectric withstand voltage tests.

b. Overcurrent and Overvoltage Protection

  • Ground fault protection using Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
  • Surge protection as per Japanese grid standards.

c. Grounding and Earthing

  • Compliance with grounding requirements to ensure user safety and fault tolerance.

4. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Chargers must comply with EMC regulations to ensure compatibility with other electronic devices and the grid:

  • Conducted emissions testing.
  • Radiated emissions testing.
  • Immunity to external disturbances such as surges and voltage dips.

5. Energy Efficiency

a. Top Runner Program

  • Japan’s energy efficiency standards are governed under the Top Runner Program, which sets benchmarks for high-efficiency performance.
  • EV chargers must have low standby power consumption and high active efficiency.

b. Power Quality

  • Compliance with harmonic distortion limits and power factor requirements as per Japanese grid regulations.

6. Communication and Interoperability

a. EV and Charger Communication

  • Support for SAE J1772 (Type 1) connectors, which are standard for AC charging in Japan.
  • Interoperability with EVs using proprietary communication protocols.

b. Smart Charging and Demand Response

  • Support for Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for remote monitoring and load management.
  • Compliance with Japanese smart grid initiatives, enabling demand-side management.

7. Environmental and Durability Testing

a. Ingress Protection (IP Rating)

  • Minimum IP54 rating for outdoor installations.
  • Protection against dust, water, and mechanical damage.

b. Climate and Durability Testing

  • Chargers must be tested for operation in Japan’s diverse climatic conditions:
    • High humidity and temperature resistance.
    • Corrosion resistance for coastal areas

8. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

a. Security Standards

  • Chargers with networked features must ensure secure communication channels.
  • Use of encrypted protocols like TLS for data exchange between EVSE, vehicles, and backend systems.

b. Data Privacy

  • Compliance with Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) for managing user data securely.

9. Functional Testing

a. Safety Features

  • Ground fault detection and protection.
  • Overcurrent and thermal shutdown mechanisms.

b. Charging Performance

  • Tests for compatibility with various EV models.
  • Verifying charging times and current delivery against rated specifications.

10. Labeling and Documentation

a. Labeling Requirements

Chargers must include:

  • PSE mark for electrical safety certification.
  • Input/output voltage and current ratings.
  • Manufacturer and model details.
  • Safety warnings in Japanese.

b. Documentation

  • User manuals in Japanese, including installation, operation, and safety instructions.
  • Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for applicable standards.

11. Certification and Testing Process

a. PSE Certification

  1. Application submission to a METI-authorized testing lab.
  2. Product testing for electrical safety, insulation, and performance.
  3. Factory audit to ensure consistent production quality.
  4. Issuance of PSE certification upon compliance.

b. JET Certification

  1. Testing at JET-accredited labs.
  2. Safety and performance evaluations as per JIS standards.

12. Installation and Grid Integration

a. Installation Standards

  • Compliance with Japanese electrical installation standards for EVSE.
  • Adherence to local utility requirements for grid connection.

b. Load Management

  • Chargers must integrate with the Japanese grid for load balancing and peak demand management.

13. Environmental Compliance

  • Compliance with Japan’s 
  • , ensuring end-of-life disposal and recycling of EV chargers.
  • Adherence to RoHS-like regulations for limiting hazardous substances.

14. Incentive Eligibility

  • To qualify for government subsidies and incentives for EVSE deployment:
    • Chargers must meet METI guidelines for energy efficiency and safety.
    • Registration with local utility programs for grid integration.

The ev ac charger plays an important role in meeting these strict requirements by providing safety, efficiency, and reliability. By following JIS standards like JIS D 61851, manufacturers ensure that the ev ac charger meets performance standards needed for both home and commercial use. With advancements in smart charging technology, the ac charger also supports seamless integration with the grid and helps manage electricity demand efficiently.

Manufacturers must focus on designing the ac charger to meet cybersecurity and data privacy laws. This ensures the chargers remain a key part of reliable and future-ready EV charging solutions. Combining efficiency, compatibility, and durability, the ac charger is essential for supporting Japan’s move towards electrification and sustainability.

FAQs

What is the EV Policy in Japan?
Japan’s EV policy promotes the transition to electric vehicles with subsidies, energy efficiency programs, and strict safety and performance standards to meet decarbonization goals.

What are the Power Requirements for an Electric Car Charger?
Power requirements vary by charger type: Level 1 chargers use 120V, Level 2 chargers require 240V, and DC fast chargers operate at higher voltages like 400V or more.

What Maintenance is Required for EV Chargers?
Regular inspections, firmware updates, and testing of safety features like ground fault detection are essential for maintaining EV chargers.

What is the IEC Standard for EV Charging?
The IEC 61851-1 and IEC 62196-2 are key standards covering EV charging systems, connectors, and general safety requirements.

References:


[1]https://www.thaiauto.or.th/2012/AAI-Summit/doc/Presentation/EV_4th_Jupiter4_5/(2)%20Charging_in_japan_Final_AAIS_EV.pdf 

[2] https://www.en-plustech.com/certifications/ 

[3] https://electricdrives.tv/japan-introducing-new-ev-charging-standards-encouraging-uptake/ 

[4] https://driivz.com/blog/ev-charging-standards-and-protocols/ 

[5]https://www.tuv.com/content-media-files/master-content/services/products/1369-tuv-rheinland-electric-vehicle-charging-system-testing/t%C3%BCv-rheinland-170111_tr-ev-services.pdf 

[6] https://www.ul.com/services/electric-vehicle-ev-charging-cable-testing-and-certification 

[7]https://www.ceoinsightsasia.com/business-inside/new-strategies-powering-up-japan-s-electric-vehicle-future-nwid-10834.html 

[8]https://www.tek.com/en/solutions/industry/automotive-test-solutions/evse-testing/ev-charging-standards 

[9]https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Japan-to-relax-rules-on-fast-EV-chargers-jump-starting-rollout 

[10] http://www.evaap.org/pdf/jevs.pdf 

[11] https://www.asbeam.com/news/evse_certification-cn.html 

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[13]https://www.tuvsud.com/en/industries/mobility-and-automotive/automotive-and-oem/e-mobility/e-mobility-infrastructure 

[14]https://www.tuvsud.com/en-in/industries/mobility-and-automotive/automotive-and-oem/e-mobility/e-mobility-infrastructure 

[15] https://www.vector.com/in/en/know-how/smart-charging/charging-standards/ 

[16] https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=ev+charger 

[17]https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/sae-j1772-usa-and-japan-charger-standard-vector-43838174 

[18] https://www.dekra.com/en/ev-charging-station-and-infrastructure-testing/ 

[19] https://driivz.com/blog/ev-charging-standards-and-protocols/ 

[20]https://www.tek.com/en/solutions/industry/automotive-test-solutions/evse-testing/ev-charging-standards 

[21] https://www.dekra.co.jp/en/charging-infrastructure/ 

[22]https://www.chademo.com/japan-opens-to-1000v-charging-and-next-gen-fast-chargers-are-in-development 

[23] https://www.jae.com/en/topics/detail/id=111658 

[24]https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/electric-vehicles-safety-characteristics-testing-standards-gupta 

[25]https://www.pluginindia.com/blogs/bharat-ev-specifications-for-ac-and-dc-charging-everything-you-need-to-know 

[26] https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/ev-charging-connector-types/ 

[27] https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/EV_Charger_Selection_Guide_2018-01-112.pdf 

[28] https://nestdigital.com/blog/will-that-charging-gun-fit-my-electric-car/ 

[29] https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC113420/kjna29371enn.pdf 

[30] https://evreporter.com/guide-to-ev-charging-and-standards-in-india/ 

[31]https://thedriven.io/2023/08/31/is-this-the-death-of-chademo-the-japanese-ev-charging-standard/ 

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