EV Charging Stations in 2025: What Contractors Need to Know Before You Bid
Updated: August 15, 2025
TL;DR
Use Level 2 for long dwell. Use DC fast for short dwell.
Keep DC CCS1 now. Add J3400 where drivers will expect it in 2025. Label everything.
Size service and feeders with NEC 2023 220.57 at 7,200 VA or nameplate, whichever is larger. Do not use 220.53 for EVSE.
Install listed gear only: UL 2594 (AC), UL 2202 (DC), UL 2231 (personnel protection), UL 2251 (couplers).
Specify OCPP 2.0.1 certified hardware. Agree on the security profile. If Plug and Charge or V2G is wanted, require ISO 15118-20 and plan certificate management.
Follow U.S. Access Board guidance for accessible spaces, slopes, reach ranges, and signage.
On NEVI jobs, expect connector and power rules, price display before start, 97 percent uptime per port, OCPI roaming, and qualified workforce per Part 680.
Stage parts early: spare holsters, labels, pedestal shims, wet-location fittings. Coordinate stock at Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply.
Why this matters on the job
EV scope is standard work now. These projects affect service sizing, branch circuits, site layout, signage, networking, payment, and commissioning. The biggest cost sinks are guessing at connector sets, skipping accessibility details, or forgetting uptime and data-sharing on funded sites. This guide gives practical steps, simple sizing examples, code touchpoints, and checklists you can hand to the crew.
For parts, substitutions, and planning help, start with the Revco homepage and loop in your local branch early.
Fundamentals
Charging levels
Level 1 uses 120 V AC. Slow charging. Suits overnight or depot long dwell.
Level 2 uses 208–240 V AC. Covers most public, workplace, and fleet use. [1]
DC fast charging uses external rectification with high power and short dwell. [1]
Connectors you will see in the field
J1772 is the AC plug on most non-Tesla vehicles.
CCS1 is the DC fast standard required on NEVI sites. [17]
J3400 (SAE NACS) standardized Tesla’s connector. Many automakers are transitioning starting in 2025. Design mixed sites with CCS1 and J3400 where it makes sense for drivers and the owner. Label the pedestals and the app listing. [2]
Listing and standards to show in submittals
AC EVSE: UL 2594. [5]
DC charging equipment: UL 2202. [6]
Personnel protection: UL 2231-1/-2. [7]
Vehicle couplers: UL 2251. [8]
Bidirectional/export discussions: UL 9741 and vehicle interconnection SAE J3072. [19][20]
Networking and features
Ask for OCPP 2.0.1 certification. It is the current baseline with formal certification and clear profiles. This protects the owner from lock-in and makes a future network switch possible without hardware changes. [9][18]
Confirm the security profile the hardware will use with the network, for example a TLS-based profile under OCPP 2.0.1. Align the charger, the network, and the certificate chain. [9][18]
If the owner wants Plug and Charge or bidirectional features, select EVSE that supports ISO 15118-20 and include certificate provisioning and renewal in scope. [10]
For funded sites, confirm OCPI 2.2.1 roaming, port counts, minimum power, and price display rules before you pour pads. [16][17][3]
Code and compliance
NEC 2023 Article 625 governs EV power transfer systems. It covers listing, wiring methods, output cable types, personnel protection, and OCPD coordination. For the cable to the vehicle, use only types permitted by 625.17 and by the product listing. Do not substitute output cables outside the listing. [11]
Service and feeder calculations
Use NEC 220.57 to set each EVSE load at 7,200 VA or the nameplate, whichever is larger.
Do not put EVSE under 220.53 appliance demand. Keep EVSE loads separate. [12]
Accessibility
Follow U.S. Access Board technical guidance on accessible space counts, clear floor spaces, slopes, reach ranges, and signage. A proposed rule is advancing, so many owners build to this guidance to avoid rework. [13][14]
Funded sites and NEVI
NEVI rules in 23 CFR Part 680 cover power levels, port counts, connector support, price display, uptime, OCPI roaming, and data sharing. Plan for:
Price display before session start and no mid-session price changes. [3]
97 percent annual uptime per port with the specific calculation method. [3]
OCPI 2.2.1 roaming capability and network-to-network communication. [16]
OCPP capability and migration to OCPP 2.0.1 per rule timelines. [18]
Workforce meeting program requirements, such as EVITP or a registered apprenticeship with EV charger training, per the rule and your state plan. [15][16][17]
Selection steps
Step 1: Lock the use case
Match power to dwell. Long dwell at workplaces or fleet depots points to Level 2. Short dwell along corridors and retail needs DC fast. Write it down before selecting gear. [1]
Step 2: Confirm power and service constraints
Pull recent utility bills, one-lines, and panel schedules. For service and feeder calcs, apply 220.57 to each EVSE at 7,200 VA or nameplate, whichever is larger. If you will cap demand with load management, describe the control logic in submittals and save the settings in closeout. [12]
Step 3: Choose the network and features
Specify OCPP 2.0.1 certification. Confirm the security profile and time/NTP plan. If Plug and Charge or V2G is desired, select ISO 15118-20 capable hardware and include certificate issuance and renewal in scope. [9][10]
Step 4: Pick the connector set and label it
AC Level 2 is J1772 today. For DC, include CCS1 now to satisfy § 680.106, and add J3400 where the owner wants to serve those drivers during the transition. Keep spare holsters and labels. [17][2]
Step 5: Plan accessibility and site flow
Follow the Access Board guidance for clearances, slopes, reach ranges, bollards, lighting, and striping. Coordinate early with civil and signage. [13][14]
Step 6: Confirm workforce and documentation
For NEVI projects, include credentials for EVITP or a registered apprenticeship with charger training in submittals and closeout. Keep the packet clean for program audits. [15][16][17]
Sizing or configuration examples
Example A: 32 A Level 2 branch circuit
EV load is continuous. Multiply by 125 percent for OCPD.
32 A × 1.25 = 40 A OCPD. Pick conductors for 40 A using the correct temperature column and terminal ratings. Confirm any GFCI and personnel protection requirements with Article 625 and the OEM instructions. [11]
Example B: Four Level 2s at 9.6 kW each
Each station nameplate is 9,600 VA.
220.57 requires 7,200 VA or nameplate, whichever is larger. Use 9,600 VA.
Total EVSE load before management: 4 × 9,600 VA = 38,400 VA.
Do not apply 220.53 appliance demand to EVSE. Keep calcs separate. [12]
Example C: Retail dwell mix
For 30–60 minute visits at convenience retail, pair a small DC fast block with several Level 2 ports under automatic load management. Verify transformer capacity and tariff demand charges before specifying 150–350 kW cabinets. [1]
Installation and wiring notes
Use listed equipment. AC EVSE listed to UL 2594. DC systems listed to UL 2202. Personnel protection listed to UL 2231. Vehicle couplers listed to UL 2251. Include the certificates in submittals. [5][6][7][8]
Follow Article 625 for wiring methods. Use only output cable types permitted by 625.17 and the EVSE listing. Do not substitute. [11]
Treat EV loads as continuous. Coordinate EVSE internal protection, any GFCI functions, and upstream OCPD. Verify neutral sizing where applicable. [11]
Bond raceways, pedestals, and enclosures per Chapter 2 and OEM instructions. Torque lugs and record the readings in your QC log.
Protect the gear. Use NEMA 3R or better outdoors. Add bollards and good lighting. Use wet-location fittings and proper sealing to keep water out.
Provide reliable network backhaul. Survey cellular strength and plan wired backhaul where needed so OCPP sessions and updates do not fail. [9]
Testing, commissioning, and documentation
Perform insulation resistance tests, torque checks, and voltage-drop checks under realistic load.
Start a session on every port. Verify OCPP connectivity, DNS, time source, and the agreed security profile. Test RFID and app start. If Plug and Charge is in scope, load certificates and verify sessions. Log screenshots and meter values if the owner needs revenue-grade records. [9][10]
Confirm accessibility: clear floor spaces, slopes, reach ranges, striping, and signage per the Access Board guidance. [13]
Hand off as-builts, one-lines, load management settings, network credentials, training docs, and warranties. Save configs in two places.
Troubleshooting
Unit is online but sessions fail: Check the OCPP endpoint URL, certificates, time/NTP, and security profile mismatch. Rebooting without fixing time or certificates will not help. [9]
Ground-fault or personnel protection trips: Inspect connector seals, output cable jacket, and water ingress. Follow the EVSE diagnostic path for UL 2231 issues. [7]
Driver complaints: Check aisle width, slopes, curb cuts, labeling, and price visibility. On NEVI sites the price must be visible before start, and uptime must meet the defined threshold. [3]
Connector confusion: Label CCS1 and J3400 clearly on hardware and in the app listing. Stock spare holsters and labels so you are not stuck waiting. [2][17]
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying proprietary networks without OCPP 2.0.1 certification. [9]
Applying 220.53 appliance demand to EVSE. Use 220.57. [12]
Punting accessibility to punch-list week. Fixing slopes and reach after the pour is ugly. [13]
Substituting output cables that are not in the product listing. [11]
Ignoring OCPI roaming and data-sharing on funded sites. [16][3]
Parts to stock and related products
Level 2 wallboxes and pedestals with J1772 connectors.
DC fast charger cabinets with CCS1. Add J3400 where driver demand justifies it.
Approved output cable sets, weather caps, holsters, and labels.
Pedestal shims, bollards, wheel stops, and mounting hardware.
Conduit bodies, wet-location fittings, and NEMA 3R or better enclosures.
Cellular gateways or wired backhaul kits where signal is weak.
Shop locally for in-stock options and fast pickup via the Revco homepage.
When to call the AHJ or the engineer of record
Service upgrades or transformer changes.
Demand-limited load management or complex sequencing that affects how you document 220.57 in the load calc.
Tight sites where accessibility and traffic flow need trade-off decisions.
Bidirectional or export-capable systems that may trigger interconnection review and require UL 9741 and SAE J3072. [19][20]
Disclaimer
Technical safety: follow all applicable codes and current manufacturer instructions for the products you install. Energized work procedures must meet OSHA and NFPA 70E.
Always verify requirements with your Authority Having Jurisdiction and the current manufacturer instructions before you order or install.
About Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply
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Sources
[1] U.S. DOT, Rural EV Toolkit — Charging Types and Speeds, https://www.transportation.gov/rural/ev/toolkit/ev-basics/charging-speeds, retrieved Aug 2025. Department of Transportation
[2] Joint Office of Energy & Transportation — SAE J3400 Connector (NACS), https://www.driveelectric.gov/nacs-j3400, retrieved Aug 2025. Access Board
[3] eCFR — 23 CFR 680.116 Information on locations, pricing, mapping, 97% uptime, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/part-680/section-680.116, retrieved Aug 2025. eCFR
[5] UL/Intertek — UL 2594 overview, https://www.intertek.com/batteries/automotive-battery-ev-testing/evse/ul-2594/, retrieved Aug 2025. intertek.com
[6] UL Solutions — UL 2202 DC Charging Equipment, https://www.ulsolutions.com/resources/ev-charging-system-equipment-ul-2202, retrieved Aug 2025. UL Standards Shop
[7] UL — UL 2231-1/-2 Personnel Protection Systems for EV Supply Circuits, https://standardscatalog.ul.com/standards/en/standard_2231-1, retrieved Aug 2025. UL Standards Shop
[8] UL Solutions — UL 2251 Plugs, Receptacles, Vehicle Couplers, https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=33653, retrieved Aug 2025. UL Standards Shop
[9] Open Charge Alliance — OCPP 2.0.1 certification and overview, https://openchargealliance.org/certificationocpp/certification-ocpp-2-0-1/ and https://openchargealliance.org/protocols/open-charge-point-protocol/, retrieved Aug 2025. Open Charge Alliance+1
[10] ISO — ISO 15118-20 standard page, https://www.iso.org/standard/77845.html, retrieved Aug 2025. ISO
[11] Electrical License Renewal — NEC 2023 Article 625 overview, https://www.electricallicenserenewal.com/electrical_continuing_education/course/neccodechanges/2077/46, retrieved Aug 2025. Electrical License Renewal
[12] Leviton Captain Code — NEC 2023 220.57 and 220.53 guidance for EVSE, https://captaincode2023.leviton.com/node/319, retrieved Aug 2025. captaincode2023.leviton.com
[13] U.S. Access Board — Technical Assistance: Electric Vehicle Charging, https://www.access-board.gov/tad/electric-vehicles/, retrieved Aug 2025. Access Board
[14] U.S. Access Board — Proposed Rule Notice on EV Charging Accessibility, https://www.access-board.gov/news/2024/07/26/proposed-rule-ev-charging, retrieved Aug 2025. Access Board
[15] FHWA — Federal Register Final Rule summary for 23 CFR Part 680, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/28/2023-03500/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-standards-and-requirements, retrieved Aug 2025. Federal Register
[16] GovInfo — 23 CFR 680.106 PDF excerpt with OCPP and OCPI requirements, https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cfr/23/680?link-type=pdf§ionnum=106&year=mostrecent, retrieved Aug 2025. GovInfo
[17] LII / eCFR mirror — 23 CFR 680.106 installation, operation, maintenance, and connector requirements, https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/23/680.106, retrieved Aug 2025. Legal Information Institute
[19] UL — UL 9741 Electric Vehicle Power Export Equipment overview, https://www.ul.com/services/electric-vehicle-ev-power-export-equipment-ul-9741, retrieved Aug 2025.
[20] SAE — J3072 Interconnection Requirements for Onboard Inverter, https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3072_201805/, retrieved Aug 2025