DOE helps standardize EV charger permit process with online tools

Electric vehicles are a relatively new thing here in the United States (as long as you ignore vehicles like the short-lived EV1 and the first-gen RAV4 EV and the whole EV thing back in the early 1900s). The current generation EV are so new, in fact, that many cities do not have a standardized permitting process specifically for EV charger installations. That can be problematic if you are a contractor or electrician. Fortunately, the Department of Energy has come to the rescue via two online resources designed to help communities design permits and accelerate the approval process.

The first online tool is a permitting template (available here) that can be easily adapted by local governments and helps standardize the permit and inspection procedures between different regions. The six-page template contains specific requirements based upon the National Electric Code and addresses voltages, markings, wiring methods and means of disconnecting. It even includes easy-to-understand diagrams showing two typical EV charging setups. The second tool is a 30-minute video entitled "Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Residential Home Charging Installation," which is intended for electrical contractors and inspectors. The video encompasses all aspects of setting up a home charger, namely, technical, safety and consumer concerns. The video is available on the Clean Cities TV website, where you can find many other clips sorted by fuel type and technology.

This bottom-up approach of supporting EV infrastructure will go a long way to ensuring you have a smooth experience getting your new EV all charged up in your garage.