ENERGY STAR® Certification for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

A neutral, educational overview of ENERGY STAR® certification for EV chargers and how manufacturers typically approach the process.

What is ENERGY STAR® certification?

ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary energy efficiency labeling program that identifies products meeting defined performance and efficiency criteria.

For electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), ENERGY STAR certification is intended to help distinguish chargers that meet specific energy efficiency and performance benchmarks during operation and standby.

Why ENERGY STAR certification matters for EV chargers

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for EV charging infrastructure, particularly for public and commercial installations that operate continuously.

ENERGY STAR–certified EVSE may help:

• Reduce standby and operational energy losses
• Lower long-term electricity consumption
• Support sustainability and efficiency goals
• Improve compatibility with energy-efficiency–focused programs or procurement criteria

General overview of the ENERGY STAR certification process

Manufacturers seeking ENERGY STAR certification for EVSE typically follow a structured, third-party verification process.

1. Partner enrollment

Manufacturers generally begin by enrolling as ENERGY STAR partners and agreeing to program participation terms.

2. Product testing

EV chargers are tested against ENERGY STAR performance specifications by laboratories recognized for EVSE testing.

Testing focuses on:

• Energy efficiency during charging
• Standby and idle power consumption
• Operational performance under defined conditions

3. Third-party certification

After testing, results are reviewed by an independent certification body. If the product meets all applicable criteria, it may be certified and listed as an ENERGY STAR–qualified product.

Recognized laboratories and certification bodies

ENERGY STAR EVSE certification relies on independent testing laboratories and certification bodies recognized for this product category.

These organizations operate globally and provide:

• Product testing services
• Certification review and approval
• Ongoing compliance verification

Manufacturers typically select a laboratory and certification body based on product type, region, testing capacity, and internal timelines.

Costs and manufacturer responsibilities

Manufacturers are responsible for all costs associated with:

• Product testing
• Certification review
• Ongoing compliance and recordkeeping

Certification costs vary by certification body and testing scope. Pricing is determined by the service provider rather than by the ENERGY STAR program itself.

Product listing and public visibility

Once a product is certified, it may appear in public ENERGY STAR product listings used by purchasers, utilities, and program administrators to identify qualified EV charging equipment.

Manufacturers are expected to maintain compliance over time and notify certification bodies of any material product changes.

Key considerations for EVSE manufacturers

• Confirm product eligibility before initiating testing
• Plan certification timelines alongside product launch schedules
• Coordinate ENERGY STAR certification with other requirements such as safety testing or interoperability standards
• Maintain documentation for audits or verification requests

Summary:
ENERGY STAR certification provides a recognized benchmark for energy efficiency in electric vehicle charging equipment. While voluntary, it is widely referenced in procurement and infrastructure planning contexts. Manufacturers that understand the certification process early can better align product development, compliance, and market expectations.