The California type evaluation program (CTEP) defines California rules for commercial electricity measurement. CTEP governs how EV chargers measure and sell electricity by kilowatt-hour. CTEP authority applies to public and commercial AC and DC chargers used for billing. CTEP relevance matters because EV charging involves regulated financial transactions based on energy data.
California type evaluation program requirements focus on certified meters, controlled firmware, tamper protection, and verified documentation. CTEP testing validates measurement accuracy through approved laboratories. CTEP timelines define when non-approved chargers lose eligibility for energy-based billing. CTEP certification follows a structured process that includes application submission, technical evaluation, and issuance of a certificate of approval.
California type evaluation program compliance affects manufacturers, charge point operators, and installers through hardware design, deployment rules, and operational control. CTEP differs from NTEP through California-specific enforcement. CTEP challenges often involve firmware changes and documentation gaps. CTEP-aligned operations are supported by platforms such as Monta through configuration control, monitoring, and compliance-oriented workflows.
What is the California type evaluation program (CTEP)?
California type evaluation program (CTEP) is a state-level type approval program administered in California. CTEP authority rests with the California Department of Food and Agriculture under state weights and measures law. The purpose of the California type evaluation program is to ensure the accurate measurement of electricity used in commercial transactions. Under the California type evaluation program (CTEP), commercial EV charging equipment that bills drivers per kilowatt-hour falls within regulatory scope. The scope of CTEP covers both AC and DC chargers deployed in public, workplace, fleet, and retail charging environments.
Through regulatory oversight, the California type evaluation program ensures that measured energy values used for billing reflect verified meter performance. Measurement accuracy — rather than safety or grid compliance — is the primary emphasis of the California Type Evaluation Program. Unlike electrical codes and interconnection rules, which address separate regulatory domains, the California type evaluation program focuses specifically on billing-related measurement standards.
Before EV chargers can be legally used for commercial electricity sales in California, CTEP approval is required because energy measurement directly determines price and consumer protection. In this way, the California type evaluation program plays a central role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and legal compliance in the state’s commercial EV charging market.
Which EV chargers require CTEP approval?
CTEP approval is required for EV chargers used for commercial billing in California. The applicability of CTEP covers EV chargers that bill drivers by kilowatt-hour, and the program’s scope includes public EV charging, paid workplace charging, and fleet charging where electricity is sold as a measured commodity. This approval requirement applies before chargers enter commercial service.
Both public and private commercial EV charging fall under CTEP when billing depends on measured energy. The requirements are triggered when a transaction links price to kilowatt-hour–based charging. The relevance of CTEP does not depend on charger ownership but on commercial use and billing structure.
EV chargers do not require CTEP approval when used for non-commercial charging. Exemptions under CTEP include private residential chargers and charging offered without energy-based pricing. The exclusion framework applies to models that rely on flat fees, parking fees, or free charging without selling electricity as a measured unit.
CTEP applicability draws a strict line between commercial and non-commercial charging. Enforcement under CTEP treats electricity sold by measurement as a regulated commodity. The CTEP framework ensures consistent application across public and private commercial EV charging environments.
What are the core CTEP requirements for EV charging compliance?
The core CTEP requirements for EV charging compliance are listed below.
- CTEP technical requirements require EV charging equipment to include a certified electricity meter designed for commercial measurement.
- CTEP measurement accuracy standards require kilowatt-hour readings to remain within defined tolerance limits under tested operating conditions.
- CTEP metering specifications cover meter design, signal processing, data integrity, and resistance to tampering.
- CTEP software requirements apply to firmware versions that affect energy measurement, data handling, and display values.
- CTEP hardware requirements include sealed metering components and controlled access to measurement-critical parts.
- CTEP weights and measures legal criteria require conformity with California weights and measures law governing commercial transactions.
- CTEP documentation requirements include technical drawings, meter descriptions, firmware identifiers, and accredited laboratory test reports.
- CTEP labeling requirements apply to device identification, approval markings, and traceability to an issued Certificate of Approval.
- CTEP sealing requirements ensure that approved configurations remain unchanged after certification.
California Type Evaluation Program compliance links all evaluated elements into a fixed approval scope. California Type Evaluation Program enforcement treats deviations in software, hardware, or documentation as non-compliant states.
How does CTEP ensure measurement accuracy in EV charging?
The California type evaluation program ensures measurement accuracy in EV charging by validating kilowatt-hour measurement against defined weights and measures standards. CTEP testing verifies that EV chargers measure electricity delivered to drivers within approved tolerances. CTEP evaluation confirms that measured energy values used for billing match actual energy dispensed.
The California type evaluation program relies on standardized testing procedures to assess metering accuracy. CTEP testing and tolerances evaluate performance across operating conditions that affect energy measurement. CTEP assessment covers metering hardware and measurement-relevant software to ensure consistency over time.
California type evaluation program focus on measurement accuracy supports accurate energy billing and consumer protection. CTEP framework prevents discrepancies between measured and billed energy by fixing approved configurations. CTEP enforcement under California weights and measures law treats accurate kilowatt-hour measurement as the basis for lawful commercial EV charging.
What are the CTEP deadlines and key timelines for EV charger compliance?
The CTEP deadlines and key timelines for EV charger compliance are the following.
- CTEP compliance deadlines require that new EV charger models obtain approval before commercial deployment in California.
- CTEP approval timelines apply at the model level, meaning uncertified charger variants cannot enter commercial service.
- CTEP enforcement dates affect existing and legacy EV chargers that remain in operation without approved measurement systems.
- CTEP transition periods may apply when regulators allow limited time for remediation, replacement, or certification.
- CTEP approval status determines whether kilowatt-hour billing remains lawful after enforcement begins.
California type evaluation program timelines affect stakeholders differently. Manufacturers face approval timing constraints before market entry. Charge point operators manage retrofit, replacement, or billing suspension risks. Site hosts face service and revenue impacts when chargers miss regulatory deadlines. California type evaluation program enforcement treats missed deadlines as non-compliance, which blocks energy-based billing until approval conditions are met.
How does the CTEP certification process work?
California type evaluation program certification process defines how EV chargers obtain authorization for commercial use in California. The CTEP certification process consists of application, evaluation, and approval stages that together form EV charger type approval under state weights and measures regulation.
California type evaluation program approval is granted through a multi-step process that follows a fixed sequence. CTEP process begins with formal application submission and regulatory review. CTEP process continues through technical evaluation and performance testing focused on measurement accuracy. CTEP process concludes with issuance of a certificate of approval (COA) for chargers that meet all requirements.
California type evaluation program structure relies on sequential review to control risk. CTEP workflow ensures that only EV chargers that pass type evaluation and testing receive authorization for commercial billing. CTEP certification process links regulatory review, technical validation, and legal approval into a single compliance pathway.
How is a CTEP application submitted and initially reviewed?
A CTEP application is submitted and initially reviewed as part of the California type evaluation program approval workflow. A CTEP application is submitted by the EV charger manufacturer or the party seeking type approval for a specific charger model. CTEP application submission includes an application package with technical documentation, metering descriptions, firmware identifiers, drawings, and accredited test reports delivered to California weights and measures authorities.
During the initial administrative review, regulators verify that the application package is complete and consistent. California type evaluation program review checks supporting documentation before technical evaluation begins. CTEP administrative review confirms that the submitted configuration aligns with the EV charger model intended for commercial use.
CTEP application delays often result from missing documentation, unclear metering specifications, or inconsistent firmware references. California type evaluation program returns incomplete submissions for correction. CTEP initial review functions as a compliance filter before technical and performance evaluation.
What does the technical and performance evaluation involve?
The technical and performance evaluation verifies that an EV charger accurately measures, records, and reports electricity within CTEP-approved tolerances. The technical and performance evaluation examines metering systems, measurement-relevant software, and hardware components tied to energy calculation. The scope of the technical and performance evaluation focuses on functions that directly affect kilowatt-hour billing. This stage centers on metering accuracy testing and configuration integrity.
During performance testing, EV chargers operate under defined conditions to validate compliance with CTEP performance standards. Measurement tolerances, data consistency, and resistance to unauthorized changes in hardware or software are examined as part of the evaluation process.
Regulatory testing overseen by California weights and measures authorities and accredited laboratories forms the basis of the review. The outcome determines pass or fail status based on adherence to approved standards, and a failure results when measured values exceed permitted tolerances or when configurations deviate from the submitted documentation.
How is a certificate of approval (COA) issued under CTEP?
A certificate of approval (COA) is issued under CTEP once an EV charger successfully passes technical and performance evaluation. The certificate of approval (COA) is issued by California weights and measures authorities as part of CTEP approval issuance. The certificate of approval formally authorizes an approved EV charger model for commercial use in California.
COA confirms that the EV charger meets CTEP compliance status under state weights and measures law. The certificate of approval covers the approved charger model, metering configuration, firmware scope, and permitted use conditions. COA ties regulatory authorization to a fixed and documented configuration.
The certificate of approval functions as the legal confirmation of CTEP compliance. The certificate of approval establishes that the EV charger may be used for commercial kilowatt-hour billing. COA serves as the reference point for inspections, audits, and ongoing enforcement.
What happens after CTEP approval?
Here are the six steps of what happens after approval.
- After CTEP approval, EV chargers must enter service only in the approved configuration defined in the certificate of approval.
- Once a COA is issued, operators are required to use the approved EV charger model for commercial kilowatt-hour billing in California.
- California type evaluation program requirements mandate that manufacturing, installation, and operation preserve the approved configuration, including firmware, metering hardware, and seals.
- CTEP enforcement includes field inspection by local weights and measures authorities to verify compliance in deployed chargers.
- CTEP ongoing compliance obligations include record keeping, configuration control, and readiness for inspection.
- California type evaluation program response to non-compliance involves billing suspension, corrective action, or removal from service when chargers are modified or fail field inspection.
California type evaluation program post-approval compliance links approval status to real-world operation. California type evaluation program oversight ensures that approved EV chargers continue to meet regulatory requirements throughout their service life.
Who needs CTEP certification?
CTEP certification is required by multiple EV charging stakeholders involved in commercial electricity billing in California. CTEP certification requirements apply across the commercial EV charging ecosystem rather than a single role. CTEP scope includes manufacturers, charge point operators, and installers whose actions affect measurement accuracy and regulatory compliance.
CTEP certification applies differently to each stakeholder group based on responsibility. Manufacturers control EV charger design, metering systems, firmware scope, and approved configurations submitted for type approval. Charge point operators manage deployment, operation, pricing, and billing based on measured kilowatt-hours. Installers influence compliance through installation methods, sealing practices, and preservation of approved configurations in the field.
CTEP certification reflects a shared compliance responsibility because measurement accuracy depends on multiple lifecycle stages. CTEP compliance can fail when design, deployment, or operation diverges from approved conditions. CTEP framework assigns accountability across the value chain to reduce regulatory risk.
CTEP certification structure sets the context for stakeholder-specific obligations. CTEP requirements differ in scope but align around a common regulatory objective. CTEP sections that follow explain why manufacturers, charge point operators, and installers each hold defined compliance duties within the same regulatory system.
Why do manufacturers need CTEP certification?
Manufacturers need CTEP certification because California law requires type approval before EV chargers may be sold for commercial kilowatt-hour billing. Without CTEP approval, manufacturers cannot market EV chargers for commercial deployment in California. CTEP certification establishes regulatory approval for electricity measurement used in financial transactions.
EV charger manufacturers require CTEP certification because approval applies to specific charger models and approved configurations. CTEP-certified charger models reflect fixed combinations of metering hardware, firmware, and measurement logic. CTEP framework ties approval to what manufacturers design, build, and release to market.
EV charger manufacturers benefit from CTEP certification through reduced regulatory and commercial risk. CTEP approval clarifies legal eligibility for commercial deployment in California. CTEP certification protects manufacturers from enforcement actions tied to non-approved measurement systems and supports compliant market access.
Why do charge point operators need CTEP certification?
Charge point operators need CTEP certification because California law requires approved measurement systems for commercial EV charging. To bill drivers legally, operators must use CTEP-approved chargers when pricing electricity by kilowatt-hour. CTEP approval enables lawful EV charging operations tied to regulated energy measurement.
Charge point operators hold responsibility for maintaining billing compliance during commercial operation. CTEP-certified chargers must remain in the approved configuration during deployment and daily use. CTEP requirements apply to firmware control, metering integrity, and seal preservation across EV charging networks.
Charge point operators reduce enforcement, financial, and reputational risk through CTEP certification. CTEP compliance supports readiness for field inspections by local weights and measures authorities. CTEP-approved chargers protect operators from billing disputes, service interruptions, and regulatory penalties linked to inaccurate energy measurement.
Why do installers need CTEP certification?
Installers need CTEP certification because installation practices directly affect post-approval compliance. Improper installation can alter firmware access, compromise tamper sealing, or affect meter integrity. CTEP-compliant installation preserves the approved configuration defined in the certificate of approval.
Installers play a critical role in firmware control and sealing during deployment. CTEP requirements restrict access to measurement-relevant software and hardware components. CTEP framework requires installers to follow approved configurations exactly to maintain metering accuracy preservation.
Installers influence compliance through installation documentation and verification. CTEP documentation gaps or improper practices create regulatory risk under weights and measures law. CTEP field inspections often involve installers to confirm installation methods and post-installation readiness.
What is the difference between CTEP and NTEP?
The key difference between CTEP and NTEP is regulatory authority and geographic scope. CTEP operates as a California-specific type approval program enforced under state weights and measures law. NTEP functions as a national type evaluation program administered through the National Conference on Weights and Measures. CTEP applies only within California. NTEP supports broader multi-state recognition.
CTEP vs NTEP reflects state versus national type evaluation. CTEP derives authority from California regulators with direct enforcement power. NTEP provides technical evaluation and certification accepted by many states but lacks automatic authority in California. CTEP therefore represents a distinct regulatory layer for EV charging compliance.
While NTEP provides national type evaluation for measuring devices, CTEP requires additional approval for commercial EV charging in California. NTEP certification alone does not authorize EV chargers for kilowatt-hour billing in California. CTEP introduces California-specific requirements that reflect state enforcement priorities and legal criteria.
CTEP and NTEP complement each other in EV charger certification programs. NTEP evaluation often supports technical review and performance validation. CTEP review aligns those results with California compliance rules and operational conditions.
CTEP remains mandatory even when an EV charger holds NTEP certification. CTEP requirement applies whenever EV chargers are used for commercial billing in California. CTEP approval bridges national evaluation and state authorization for lawful EV charging operations.
What are the common challenges behind CTEP compliance?
The most common challenges behind CTEP compliance are presented below.
- Metering accuracy issues: Measurement deviations occur when metering hardware and software interactions affect kilowatt-hour values.
- Firmware control limitations: Software changes alter measurement behavior outside the approved configuration.
- Hardware configuration mismatches: Differences arise between approved EV charger models and deployed units.
- Documentation gaps: Missing or inconsistent drawings, test reports, or firmware identifiers delay administrative review.
- Application alignment issues: Submitted materials fail to match the configuration evaluated during testing.
- Regulatory interpretation differences: Variations between NTEP and CTEP requirements create compliance uncertainty.
- Configuration drift after installation: Maintenance actions or component changes move chargers outside approved scope.
- Seal integrity failures: Broken or missing seals trigger inspection failures under local enforcement.
- Operational change management constraints: Rapid technology updates outpace approval and compliance processes.
California type evaluation program compliance relies on controlled execution after approval. CTEP enforcement treats deviations as non-compliant states.
What are the key takeaways on CTEP for EV charging infrastructure?
The key takeaways on CTEP for EV charging infrastructure are the following.
- CTEP as a foundational requirement: CTEP is mandatory for commercial EV charging in California when electricity is sold by kilowatt-hour.
- Shared responsibility across stakeholders: CTEP compliance depends on coordinated action by manufacturers, charge point operators, and installers.
- Measurement accuracy as a legal anchor: Accurate energy measurement underpins consumer protection and lawful commercial operation.
- Operational impact on EV charging infrastructure: CTEP affects charger selection, deployment planning, billing models, and scalability.
- Long-term compliance obligation: CTEP approval requires continuous configuration control rather than a one-time certification step.
- Regulatory risk management role: CTEP alignment reduces enforcement, billing, and reputational risk across charging networks.
California type evaluation program relevance persists throughout the EV charger lifecycle. California type evaluation program compliance links regulatory requirements directly to infrastructure reliability and commercial trust.
How does Monta support CTEP-compliant EV charging ecosystems?
Monta supports CTEP-compliant EV charging ecosystems by enabling accurate billing, configuration control, and operational transparency across charging networks. The role of Monta focuses on the software and operational layers that interact with CTEP-approved chargers during commercial operation. Through this function, Monta aligns EV charging activity with California weights and measures expectations without replacing regulatory authority.
Charge point operators rely on Monta to maintain billing accuracy and configuration integrity tied to CTEP-approved chargers. The Monta EV charging software platform manages session data, energy records, and billing systems that depend on approved kilowatt-hour measurement. Additional Monta tools provide visibility into charger status and operational consistency across multiple sites.
While Monta does not certify hardware, the platform enables compliance-ready operations within a broader CTEP-compliant EV charging ecosystem. Operational oversight, data integrity, and audit readiness are supported through Monta’s system architecture. By integrating with approved chargers, Monta reduces compliance risk and helps preserve authorized configurations and transparent billing aligned with CTEP requirements.