How to Obtain an EV Charger Type Test Report (2026 Compliance Guide)
A Type Test Report for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is a critical compliance document required for market entry, public tenders, subsidy applications, and regulatory filings. It serves as formal proof that an EV charger meets applicable national standards for safety, performance, and reliability, helping reduce operational risk and ensuring safe charging for end users.
1. Select a Qualified Testing Laboratory
The first and most important step is selecting a properly accredited third-party testing laboratory. In China, laboratories conducting EV charger type testing should hold:
- CNAS accreditation (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment)
- CMA certification (China Metrology Accreditation)
Laboratories with both CNAS and CMA credentials are officially recognized by regulators. Reports issued by such institutions are widely accepted for government supervision, bidding processes, utility access, and platform onboarding.
2. Submit Application and Prepare Technical Documentation
Once the laboratory is selected, the manufacturer must submit a formal test application along with complete technical documentation. Typical required documents include:
- User manual (Chinese and/or English as required)
- Electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- System architecture and functional block diagrams
- Technical specifications and ratings
- Bill of Materials (BOM) for key components
- Software and communication protocol descriptions (if applicable)
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common causes of test delays. Proper preparation significantly shortens the overall certification timeline.
3. Confirm Test Scope, Timeline, and Costs
Prior to sample submission, manufacturers should confirm the test standards, test items, duration, and total cost with the laboratory. Common test categories include:
- Electrical safety and protection
- Charging functionality and control logic
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Communication protocol compliance
- Environmental adaptability and durability
Testing fees vary depending on:
- Number and complexity of applicable standards
- Quantity of test samples
- Standard vs expedited testing
- Whether factory consistency inspection is required
4. Ship Test Samples to the Laboratory
Samples submitted for testing must represent the final production configuration. Engineering prototypes or unfinished designs are strongly discouraged.
For AC charging stations, laboratories typically require at least one complete functional unit, including enclosure, control module, cables, and connectors. Sample integrity directly affects the validity of the test results.
5. Conduct Type Testing According to Applicable Standards
The laboratory will perform testing in accordance with national or industry standards. Commonly applied standards include:
-
GB/T 18487.1-2015
Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System – Part 1: General Requirements - Additional safety, EMC, and communication standards depending on product scope
For products intended for export or international projects, laboratories may also reference standards such as UL 2594 or other regional requirements.
6. Report Review and Final Issuance
After testing is completed, the laboratory typically provides a draft electronic report for manufacturer review. Key verification points include:
- Correct product name and model designation
- Accurate technical parameters
- Clear and complete compliance conclusions
Once confirmed, the laboratory issues the official stamped hard-copy Type Test Report. In some cases, a factory consistency inspection may be conducted to verify production alignment with tested samples.
7. Plan the Timeline Strategically
Under normal conditions, the full process—from application to report issuance— typically takes 5 to 7 working days. More complex products or multi-standard testing may require additional time.
If the report is needed for bidding, regulatory filing, or subsidy deadlines, manufacturers should discuss expedited options with the laboratory in advance.
Conclusion: Compliance Is a Core Capability for EV Charger Manufacturers
An EV charger Type Test Report is more than a regulatory requirement—it is a professional validation of product safety and engineering quality. For manufacturers, early compliance planning, correct laboratory selection, and continuous monitoring of standard updates are now essential capabilities.
By completing type testing efficiently and correctly, companies can accelerate market entry, strengthen brand credibility, and lay a solid foundation for large-scale deployment in both domestic and international markets.
