NTEP/CTEP Testing: Instilling Confidence in EVSE for North America

As the electric vehicle (EV) industry grows, the global EV charging infrastructure is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 22.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching $199.79 billion (USD) in revenue by 2033¹. But the adoption of EVs will not truly succeed without customer and stakeholder trust in EV charger operation, payment calculation and fraud prevention. Verifying functionality and accuracy for point-of-use EV charging and payment collection is a critical part of the EV user experience.

NTEP testing for EV chargers with UL Solutions

The National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) evaluates the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices intended for the United States (U.S.) marketplace. Based on the performance, accuracy and testing provisions in Section 3.2 of the National Institute of Technology’s Handbook 44, NTEP provides pricing transparency by requiring EV chargers to display the real-time unit cost of electrical energy to customers during charging. A resulting Conformity of Certificate issued by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) enables a device to be used commercially across the U.S. and its territories.

At our laboratory in Fremont, Calif., UL Solutions offers the testing services needed to certify electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) products to NTEP requirements.

NTEP requirements apply to all EV chargers that collect payments based on the amount of electricity dispensed. In the U.S., it is adopted state by state, including its associated engineering provisions.

Applications include:

• Public EV chargers used by consumers at shopping malls, convenience stores and highway stations
• Public EV chargers used by fleets of commercial vehicles such as trucks, vans and light-duty vehicles
• Third-party charging services, including those used under contracts for providing electricity dispensed on “pay as you go” basis

NTEP does not apply to EV chargers that do not base payment on the amount of electricity dispensed, such as free public or workplace charging, owned charging infrastructure, or flat-rate charging services.

Where is NTEP compliance required?

In the U.S., NTEP compliance requirements are adopted on a state-by-state basis. NTEP is required in Washington (as of Jan. 1, 2024), and in Oklahoma (as of Jan. 31, 2024). California has codified its own requirements based on the NTEP. California administers these regulations through its California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP), which became effective for alternating current (AC) chargers on Jan. 1, 2021, and for direct current (DC) chargers on Jan. 1, 2023.

On Jan. 1, 2025, NTEP was adopted by Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware and Nevada. Some states, such as Arizona, Indiana, Iowa and Oregon, may adopt NTEP by vote, possibly delaying adoption. Other states, such as Texas, Florida, Minnesota and New York, will promulgate their own rules, which could result in state-based adjustments to NTEP requirements.

How is NTEP and CTEP compliance evaluated?

Most states rely on third-party laboratories to perform tests and evaluate compliance with NTEP requirements. The resulting data is presented to the NCWM, which then issues a Certificate of Conformance when compliance is demonstrated.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains its own CTEP testing laboratory in California.

NTEP and CTEP testing can be performed at a manufacturer’s facility if its testing equipment meets NCWM or CDFA requirements. Tests can be performed with an on-site witness provided by an NCWM official or, in California, by a CDFA county official. The NCWM issues a Certificate of Conformance when compliance is demonstrated.

The UL Solutions testing laboratory in Fremont, Calif. (U.S.), can perform NTEP and CTEP testing for AC and DC chargers.

Why choose UL Solutions for NTEP or CTEP testing?

As a global safety science company and a leader in EVSE testing and certification, UL Solutions supports our customers in the EV sector through our regulatory knowledge and regional laboratories. By leveraging our best-in-class EVSE testing expertise, our customers gain increased confidence that their product can meet requirements for acceptance in the U.S. commercial market. Here’s why:

• With highly equipped laboratories and more than 500 renewable energy certification and regulatory experts throughout 40+ countries, we help EV manufacturers gain certification and entry into the global EVSE market.
• Our technical expertise and market knowledge help build in compliance and safety at the beginning of the design process, reducing disruption that wastes time and money.
• UL Solutions’ scientists, engineers, problem solvers and innovators can handle complex, high-risk products.
• With decades of experience in renewable energy and laboratories located in key regions, we can help manufacturers access global markets and increase speed to market while protecting EVSE brand reputation. 
• UL Solutions has tested more than 185 models of EVSE against UL 2594 (the Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), UL 2202 (the Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging System Equipment) and UL 9741 (the Outline of Investigation for Electric Vehicle Power Export Equipment).
• UL Solutions is a leader in certifying EVSE for the North American market.    
• UL Solutions can:
  • Combine testing and certification services for other UL Standards and IEC safety standards.
  • Assess bidirectional charger performance in accordance with local utility requirements.
  • Evaluate energy efficiency for programs such as ENERGY STAR®.
  • Evaluate charger connectors to UL 2251 (the Standard for Plugs, Receptacles, and Couplers for Electric Vehicles) and IEC 62196.