NIST and OWM Launch Critical Metrology Training Programs to Standardize Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Testing
Key Insights
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) are initiating new metrology training for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) testing.
An initial four-day training in Denver, August 5-8, 2025, will prepare weights and measures inspectors and Registered Service Agents for their certification exams.
A subsequent international workshop at NIST's Gaithersburg campus, September 23-26, 2025, will focus on EVSE calibration and traceability for metrologists from the Interamerican System of Metrology.
These programs aim to standardize EVSE measurement accuracy, ensuring fair trade and reliable charging infrastructure as global EV adoption rapidly accelerates.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) are launching a critical series of metrology training programs aimed at standardizing the testing and verification of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). These initiatives are designed to bolster the accuracy and reliability of EV charging infrastructure, a cornerstone for the accelerating global transition to electric mobility.
The first of these programs, conducted in conjunction with the National Council of Weights and Measures (NCWM), will take place from August 5-8, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. This four-day training is specifically tailored for weights and measures inspectors and Registered Service Agents. Participants will delve into the intricacies of NIST Handbook 44, focusing on the General Code, Section 3.40 pertaining to EVSE, and other relevant sections for EVSE testing. The curriculum also includes Examination Procedure Outline 30, preparing attendees to successfully pass the Registered Service Agent or Inspector Exam. Instruction will be provided by NIST experts David Sefcik, Loren Minnich, and Mike Stocker, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of EV charger functionalities and verification protocols.
Following the domestic training, OWM, in collaboration with NIST’s International and Academic Affairs Office, will host a four-day workshop from September 23-26, 2025, at NIST’s Gaithersburg campus. This international event is designed for metrologists from National Metrology Institutes within the Interamerican System of Metrology (SIM). The workshop will cover advanced topics related to EVSE testing, including calibration methodologies and the traceability of these devices. Attendees will also engage in discussions regarding the current state of EV and EVSE rollout in their respective countries, share experiences with emerging regulations and testing challenges, and collectively assess calibration and traceability needs to ensure accuracy in device testing across the Americas.
As global electric vehicle sales continue their exponential growth, the demand for robust, accurate, and uniformly measured charging services becomes paramount. These training initiatives are crucial for establishing a standardized framework for EVSE verification, which directly impacts consumer trust, prevents billing discrepancies, and facilitates the seamless expansion of the electric vehicle ecosystem. The standardization efforts led by NIST are foundational for market stability and sustained growth in the EV sector, ensuring that charging stations meet rigorous performance and accuracy standards essential for widespread adoption.