January 2026: Major Standard Updates for Automotive and Road Vehicles

The start of 2026 brings significant advancements in international standards for the Automotive and Road Vehicles sector. January’s slate features five pivotal publications that will shape safety, interoperability, efficiency, and testing across the industry. Covering areas as diverse as high-power DC charging, open charge point protocols, functional testing for autonomous vehicles, diesel engine injectors, and updated dimensional guidelines for electric vehicle AC connectors, these standards are set to influence manufacturers, engineers, compliance professionals, and procurement teams worldwide.

Overview

With the rapid evolution toward electrification, automation, and advanced safety systems, standards in the automotive industry are more vital than ever. Harmonized guidelines ensure that infrastructure, components, and testing procedures work seamlessly across global markets, supporting innovation while maintaining compliance and safety. In this article, you'll learn about the key requirements in the five newly published international standards, what’s changed, and practical steps for implementation.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 62196-2:2026 – Updated Compatibility for EV AC Charging

Plugs, Socket-Outlets, Vehicle Connectors and Vehicle Inlets – Conductive Charging of Electric Vehicles – Part 2: Dimensional Compatibility Requirements for AC Pin and Contact-Tube Accessories

The latest fourth edition of EN IEC 62196-2 sets the dimensional and compatibility requirements for AC pin and contact-tube accessories—commonly used in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Applicable to plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and inlets operating up to 480 V AC and up to 70 A single-phase or 63 A three-phase, this standard ensures that charging equipment from various manufacturers interoperate safely and reliably.

Key requirements include:

• Strict dimensional specifications for standardized configurations (Types 1, 2, and 3)
• Nominal voltage and current ratings accommodating varied EV and infrastructure needs
• Safety features such as improved provisions for latching devices and protection against electric shock
• Durability tests ensuring robust performance under frequent use and diverse climatic conditions

Notable technical changes from the previous (2022) edition cover the introduction of new latching device tests—improving the mechanical and operational safety of connectors—and corrections to standard sheets for enhanced clarity. Compliance is required for anyone supplying AC charging equipment, including OEMs, infrastructure providers, and aftermarket designers.

Key highlights:

• New tests for latching devices to boost connector safety
• Revised and corrected standard dimensional sheets
• Reinforces multi-vendor interoperability for AC EV charging

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 62196-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

IEC TS 63379:2026 – Vehicle Connector, Vehicle Inlet and Cable for Megawatt DC Charging

Vehicle Connector, Vehicle Inlet and Cable Assembly for Megawatt DC Charging

As the need for ultra-fast, high-capacity EV charging grows, IEC TS 63379:2026 delivers a technical specification for vehicle couplers and cable assemblies designed for megawatt-level DC charging applications. Supporting systems up to 1,500 V DC and 3,000 A, this standard targets electric trucks, buses, heavy-duty vehicles, and next-generation fast-charging stations.

What makes this document essential is its focus on both thermal management—with provisions for thermal sensing and transport—and standardized dimensions. This ensures that high currents can be safely delivered, with minimized heat risk, through accessories that support automatic docking and robust connection. Cable assembly guidelines, cooling requirements, materials, and interlock mechanisms are detailed to minimize failures and maximize uptime.

Implementation will be critical for:

• Electric commercial vehicle OEMs
• Charging station infrastructure developers
• Component suppliers for cable assemblies and connectors
• Regulatory bodies overseeing grid safety and interoperability

Key highlights:

• Thermal management with integrated monitoring ensures safe high-power transfer
• Detailed connector and inlet dimensions up to 3,000 A (DC)
• Includes frameworks for automatic docking and liquid-cooled cables

Access the full standard:View IEC TS 63379:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 22133:2026 – Monitoring and Control in Automated and Autonomous Vehicle Testing

Road Vehicles — Test Object Monitoring and Control for Active Safety and Automated/Autonomous Vehicle Testing — Functional Requirements, Specifications and Communication Protocol

With the accelerating deployment of active safety features and autonomous driving systems, ISO 22133:2026 sets the benchmark for the monitoring and remote control of test objects during field and laboratory validation. This standard encompasses:

• Requirements and messaging formats for controlling moveable and stationary test objects (such as dummy vehicles, VRUs, soft targets)
• Communication protocols enabling a test control center to interact with test objects from multiple manufacturers
• Guidelines for synchronized test execution, timing, safety boundaries (geo-fences), and risk assessment controls

It is vital for organizations creating, validating, or certifying systems for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies. The protocol defines TCP and UDP-based control and monitoring messages, heartbeat functions, emergency stop mechanisms, and scenario synchronization.

Key highlights:

• Promotes safe, interoperable, multi-vendor test environments
• Defines functional and security requirements for test communication
• Structured message formats for real-time monitoring, emergency control, and test scheduling

Access the full standard:View ISO 22133:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 12251:2026 – Standardized Diesel Injector Mounting Dimensions

Diesel Engines — Clamp Mounted CR Fuel Injectors — Mounting Dimensions

A crucial update for diesel engine manufacturers, ISO 12251:2026 establishes dimensional requirements for clamp-mounted Common Rail (CR) fuel injectors and matching cylinder head features. Now in its third edition, this standard distinguishes between Type A (straight nozzle capnut) and Type B (stepped nozzle capnut) injectors, with detailed guidance on:

• Bore and injector guide diameters
• Sealing surfaces and washer specifications
• Concentricity and tightness tolerances for high-pressure fuel connectors

The document addresses recent technology shifts, adding new dimensional attributes (e.g., sealing washer thickness, radius transitions, updated figures) to ensure installation robustness and prevent injector distortion. This is especially relevant as CR injectors become more advanced and sensitive to mounting variations.

OEMs, engine designers, and injector suppliers must adhere to these standards to guarantee consistency, reduce assembly errors, and optimize engine performance.

Key highlights:

• Revised sizing and tolerance tables for new injector types/sizes
• Enhancements to improve sealing reliability and alignment
• Updated guidance on mounting for minimized component stress

Access the full standard:View ISO 12251:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 63584-210:2026 – Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 2.1

Open Charge Point Protocol 2.1

Designed as the backbone of interoperable EV charging management, EN IEC 63584-210:2026 formally introduces OCPP version 2.1. As an extension of OCPP 2.0.1, this version brings backward-compatible JSON schemas and enriches functional fields, allowing charging networks and equipment to integrate advanced features without breaking legacy compatibility.

Key additions include:

• Optional new data fields in charging station communications
• Extended protocol options for energy management, smart charging profiles, and future automation features
• Maintenance of existing application logic, ensuring a seamless migration path for network operators and station manufacturers

This standard is essential reading for charging station integrators, network operators, software developers, and utilities expanding smart charging ecosystems.

Key highlights:

• Broader data schema with backward compatibility to OCPP 2.0.1
• New functionality supporting next-generation charging operations
• Maintains interoperability and future-proofs software investment

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 63584-210:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The collective update of these standards marks a turning point for the automotive industry. Key compliance considerations include:

• Timelines: Transition to new requirements may impact certification, manufacturing, and testing lead times—early adoption is strongly advised.
• Cross-compatibility: The interoperability built into standards such as EN IEC 62196-2 and EN IEC 63584-210 is critical for global product acceptance and reduced market fragmentation.
• Technical Compliance: Adhering to updated specifications ensures safety/regulatory approval and minimizes liability due to non-compliance.

Benefits of compliance:

• Improved product safety, reliability, and user experience
• Access to global markets and supply chains
• Simplified integration and maintenance of both existing and new systems

Risks of non-compliance:

• Certification delays and potential product recalls
• Legal and reputational exposure
• Increased cost from retrofit or rework

Technical Insights

Several technical requirements span the newly covered standards:

• Precise Dimensional Tolerances: For connectors and injectors, accuracy in production and quality inspection is crucial.
• Robust Communication & Control: Automated vehicle testing and OCPP integration demand strict adherence to protocol structures, security, and real-time reliability.
• Advanced Thermal Management: High DC charging (IEC TS 63379) necessitates rigorous testing on thermal sensors, cooling designs, and safe current handling.
• Interoperability and Backward Compatibility: Particularly in communications protocols and connector geometries.

Implementation best practices:

1. Review new standards early in your product development cycle.
2. Employ compliance-focused design and testing teams.
3. Use certified measurement and calibration systems to validate conformity.
4. Train relevant staff on protocol updates and safety enhancements.
5. Engage with supply chain partners to ensure end-to-end adoption.

Testing & Certification Considerations:

• Detailed stress, strain, and lifecycle testing for connector and inlet assemblies
• Functional verification of safety messages and state monitoring for automated vehicle environments
• Certification of communication layers and hardware under new OCPP schemas

Conclusion & Next Steps

January 2026’s standards advancements equip the Automotive and Road Vehicles sector to meet tomorrow’s challenges in electrification, automation, safety, and precision engineering. Organizations should promptly review these documents, align product development and compliance strategies, and engage deeply with their supply chains and engineering teams.

To stay at the forefront of automotive innovation and compliance:

• Access the full texts of each new or revised standard.
• Audit current processes and begin gap analysis now.
• Integrate updated requirements into design, testing, and procurement plans.
• Stay informed of upcoming parts and additions by monitoring authoritative sources like iTeh Standards.

Explore the latest automotive standards and ensure your organization is prepared for the evolving industry landscape.