Overview
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the general certificate of approval for electric vehicle supply equipment. Specifically, we want feedback on maximum permissible errors for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installed or manufactured before 1 April 2026.
Current requirements
The current requirements for EVSE are specified in the general certificate of approval for EVSE (NMI 14/4/0). You can also read a summary on the NMI website. The requirements specify:
maximum permissible errors (MPEs) for all EVSE
requirements for markings and sealing (required for EVSE manufactured on or after 1 April 2026)
that EVSE manufactured on or after 1 April 2026 must comply with the general certificate of approval.
About shortfall offences
It is an offence under the Act to sell articles by measurement if the quantity is less than represented (this is called a shortfall).
MPEs provide a balanced approach to the sale of articles measured using a measuring instrument. MPEs reflect the reasonable expectation of accuracy of a measuring instrument, providing protections for both buyers and sellers.
NMI does not take enforcement action in relation to shortfall offences if the shortfall is the result of the measuring instrument used, and the instrument is compliant and measures accurately within specified MPEs.
Without MPEs, shortfall offences would apply whenever the amount of electrical energy supplied to or from an electric vehicle is determined to be less than the measurement represented.
Future options for EVSE requirements
The NMI has received feedback from some stakeholders that the MPEs specified are not appropriate for existing EVSE. Stakeholders have also raised concerns about requirements being applied retrospectively to EVSE already installed and in use.
To address these concerns, NMI welcomes feedback about the following options:
Option 1: Keep the existing MPEs. These will be applicable to all EVSE, including EVSE manufactured before 1 April 2026. These MPEs only apply when an EVSE is tested in a laboratory.
Option 2: Add an accuracy class and MPEs to the general certificate of approval for EVSE manufactured before 1 April 2026, to better reflect the achievable measurement accuracy of existing EVSE.
Option 3: Amend the general certificate of approval to remove maximum permissible errors for EVSE manufactured before 1 April 2026.
Option 4: Amend the general certificate of approval to provide a ‘grace period’ for EVSE manufactured before 1 April 2026. Maximum permissible errors will not be applicable to EVSE manufactured before 1 April 2026 until 1 April 2029).
Consultation questions
Please provide feedback on the proposed options.
In your response, please answer the following questions:
Do you support option 1? Why or why not
Do you support option 2? Why or why not
Do you support option 3? Why or why not
Do you support option 4? Why or why not
Do you have any other comments?