Weights and Measures Compliance for EV Charging

A guide for station owners and operators

The California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) is the state certification program that applies to all electric vehicle charging stations in California that bill customers for energy. It is administered by the Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Since EV chargers measure and bill electricity, they are legally treated like commercial measuring devices. That means every charger used to collect payment must be tested and approved by DMS before it can legally operate

During the evaluation, DMS checks the device’s accuracy, performance, labeling, and safeguards against fraud. If all requirements are met, DMS issues a Certificate of Approval (COA), authorizing the equipment for commercial use.

Your Role as a Station Owner

When you install, own, and operate EV charging stations, you are responsible for ensuring compliance.

Here's what’s required:

  1. CTEP-approved hardware
    EV Range chargers are already CTEP-certified.

  2. Field verification and sealing by an RSA
    A Registered Service Agency (RSA) must seal and test each charger on-site before it goes live.

  3. Local county registration
    Your station must be registered at installation or commissioning with your County Weights and Measures office.

  4. Documentation upkeep
    Maintain your RSA seal, calibration certificate, and any county permits.

  5. Annual inspections
    Each year, your station must be retested and resealed by an RSA. Calibration certificates must also be renewed to remain compliant.

How EV Range Supports You

We will help you:

  • Deploy CTEP-compliant hardware

  • Deliver software that meets display and pricing transparency requirements

  • Guide you through county registration and device documentation

  • Offer ongoing support after installation

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • CTEP stands for California Type Evaluation Program. It ensures that EV charging stations used for billing customers meet strict standards for accuracy, transparency, and anti-fraud protections. Without CTEP approval, your chargers cannot legally be used for public or commercial billing in California.

  • The station owner is legally responsible. If you purchased and installed EV chargers at your site, you are the operator and must ensure compliance with CTEP and local Weights and Measures regulations.

  • Yes. All hardware offered by EV Range is CTEP-approved and comes with a valid Certificate of Approval (COA).

  • An RSA is a licensed third party authorized by the state to test and seal commercial measuring devices in the field. An RSA must inspect and place your charger into service before it can be used to bill customers.

  • Yes. In California, charging stations must be registered with your local County Weights and Measures office at the time of installation or commissioning. This ensures local compliance and tracking.

  • You must keep:

    • Your RSA seal

    • A valid calibration certificate

    • Any county-issued registration or permits

    These must be up to date at all times to remain in compliance.

  • Annually. Your station must be retested and resealed each year by a Registered Service Agency, and your calibration certificate must be renewed.

  • Non-compliant stations may face fines, be shut down by the county, or become ineligible for rebates or incentives. Operating without proper certification also puts your customers at risk and can damage your reputation.

Still have questions?
Email us at support@evrange.com or reach out through our contact form. We’ll help make sure you’re covered.