ENERGY STAR® Certification for EV Charging Equipment

An educational overview of how ENERGY STAR® certification is commonly applied to electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment in California-focused projects.

Why ENERGY STAR certification matters for EV chargers

Energy efficiency plays a critical role in the long-term operation and sustainability of EV charging infrastructure. In California, ENERGY STAR certification is widely recognized as a benchmark for evaluating the energy performance of EV charging equipment.

ENERGY STAR–certified chargers are designed to meet specific efficiency criteria, including reduced standby power consumption and optimized energy use during charging sessions.

Charging equipment typically covered

ENERGY STAR certification is most commonly applied to:

• Level 2 (AC) EV charging equipment
• Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) within defined output ranges

Some ultra-high-power DC charging systems may fall outside standard ENERGY STAR EVSE specifications and may be evaluated under alternative efficiency considerations.

General certification pathway overview

While certification requirements vary by product and use case, manufacturers typically follow a structured process when pursuing ENERGY STAR certification.

1. Program participation

Manufacturers generally enroll as ENERGY STAR partners and identify the product brands and models intended for certification.

2. Product testing and verification

Charging equipment is tested against ENERGY STAR performance specifications by recognized third-party laboratories. Testing focuses on energy efficiency, operational behavior, and standby consumption.

3. Independent certification

Following successful testing, an accredited certification body reviews the results and confirms whether the equipment meets ENERGY STAR requirements.

Relationship to California EV charging programs

ENERGY STAR certification is frequently referenced as one of several technical criteria used in California-focused EV charging initiatives.

However, certification alone does not guarantee eligibility for any specific incentive, rebate, or equipment listing. Additional technical, safety, interoperability, and administrative requirements may also apply.

What manufacturers should plan for

• Confirm ENERGY STAR eligibility early in the product development cycle
• Coordinate certification timelines with product launch schedules
• Maintain documentation for audits or future verification requests
• Monitor specification updates that may affect existing certifications

Summary:
ENERGY STAR certification is a widely recognized indicator of energy-efficient EV charging equipment in California and beyond. Understanding how certification fits into broader equipment qualification frameworks can help manufacturers, site hosts, and project developers plan more effectively.