Minds → EV & Charging → What payment and interoperability rules apply to federally funded EV chargers? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

US Federal

What payment and interoperability rules apply to federally funded EV chargers? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Federally funded EV chargers under 23 CFR § 680.106 (2023) must offer secure, accessible payment methods—including contactless debit/credit acceptance plus either an automated toll-free phone number or SMS to initiate and pay for a session—without requiring membership or throttling power by payment type. Each charger must be certified by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, AC Level 2 units must carry ENERGY STAR certification, and DCFC and AC Level 2 units should meet applicable Underwriters Laboratories (UL) equipment standards.

Last verified: 2026-08-28 · Sources checked: 3/3 resolving · Next scheduled review: 2026-11-26

Details / How it works

Under 23 CFR § 680.106 (2023), unless charging is permanently free, every federally funded station must (1) provide a contactless payment method accepting major debit/credit cards and either an automated toll-free number or SMS to start a session and submit payment; (2) not require membership; (3) not delay, limit, or curtail power flow based on payment method or membership; and (4) provide access for limited-English-proficient users and people with disabilities, with toll-free and SMS options clearly identifying payment access. Equipment must be certified by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, all AC Level 2 chargers must be ENERGY STAR certified, and DCFC and AC Level 2 chargers should be certified to the appropriate UL standards for EV charging system equipment.

Numbers & thresholds

Requirement	Threshold
Minimum payment methods (unless free)	Contactless debit/credit + (automated toll-free phone OR SMS)
AC Level 2 charger certification	ENERGY STAR (mandatory)
DCFC power per port (AFC locations)	≥ 150 kW continuous, 250–920 V DC
AC Level 2 power per port	≥ 6 kW continuous, J1772 connector
Minimum charging ports per station	4 (DCFC at AFCs; DCFC and/or AC Level 2 elsewhere)
Connector standard for DCFC	CCS Type 1 (mandatory); CHAdeMO allowed only with FY2022 NEVI Funds
Connector standard for AC Level 2	J1772
Equipment testing lab	OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
Long-term stewardship	≥ 5 years from initial operation

Exceptions & edge cases

CHAdeMO connectors may be provided at DCFC charging ports only when funded with FY2022 NEVI Funds; other federal funds cannot be used for CHAdeMO. Charging stations not on a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor need only be accessible during the site host's business operating hours, while AFC-sited stations must be available 24/7. Isolated or temporary interruptions from maintenance, repairs, vandalism, natural disasters, electric utility service interruptions, or scheduled maintenance are excluded from the § 680.116 uptime calculation.

Sources

[1]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Federal Highway Administration — 23 CFR 680.106 — Interoperability, payment and reliability requirements for EV charging infrastructure · as of 2026-08-28
[2]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Federal Highway Administration — 23 CFR 680.116 — Data submittal requirements for federally funded EV charging stations · as of 2026-08-28
[3]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Federal Highway Administration — 23 CFR 680.104 — Installation, operation and maintenance standards for federally funded EV chargers · as of 2026-08-28

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