FprEN IEC 61851-23:2025/prAA:2025

Overview

FprEN IEC 61851-23:2025/prAA:2025 is a draft amendment to the European Standard EN IEC 61851-23, which specifies requirements for DC electric vehicle supply equipment. This amendment, drafted by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) Technical Committee CLC/TC 69X, introduces a key change: it reclassifies Annex BB, related to "EV supply equipment of system B," from a normative (mandatory) to an informative (guidance-only) annex. Furthermore, it specifies that Annex BB is not applicable in Europe.

This standard ensures that electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for direct current (DC) operation are harmonized across Europe, supporting the growth of sustainable mobility and the expansion of reliable EV infrastructure. Adopting this amendment helps maintain safety, interoperability, and clarity for manufacturers, installers, and regulators of electric vehicle charging systems.

Key Topics

• Annex BB Modification: The key change in this amendment is making Annex BB "informative" rather than "normative" and declaring it not applicable in Europe. This implies that the content of Annex BB is now for reference and guidance only, without mandatory requirements for compliance within European countries.
• EV Charging System Standardization: The document focuses on the standardization of electric vehicle conductive charging systems, with emphasis on DC charging equipment for road vehicles.
• European Harmonization: By aligning the requirements across member states, the standard helps remove technical barriers and promotes a cohesive approach to EV charging infrastructure deployment.
• Compliance and Implementation: The amendment outlines the timeline for adoption, implementation, and withdrawal of conflicting national standards, ensuring a smooth transition within EU member countries.

Applications

The FprEN IEC 61851-23:2025/prAA:2025 amendment is of practical value to various stakeholders involved in the deployment and operation of DC electric vehicle supply equipment:

• Manufacturers: Ensures clarity on which annexes are mandatory for compliance, allowing efficient design and production of DC charging stations for the European market.
• Installers and Operators: Provides guidance on the technical characteristics of DC electric vehicle supply equipment, clarifying which requirements must be met for installation and maintenance.
• Regulatory Authorities: Assists in evaluating national standards and ensuring consistency with the harmonized European standard, simplifying approvals and regulatory processes.
• Infrastructure Developers: Supports the streamlined rollout of reliable and safe charging infrastructure for electric road vehicles, fostering growth in e-mobility.

Related Standards

Understanding this amendment in the context of other relevant standards is beneficial for comprehensive compliance and effective implementation:

• EN IEC 61851-23: The principal standard for DC electric vehicle supply equipment, detailing safety, operational, and interoperability requirements.
• EN IEC 61851 Series: Comprises various parts covering conductive charging systems for electric vehicles, including general requirements and particular DC/AC aspects.
• IEC 61851-1: Provides general requirements for electric vehicle conductive charging systems.
• IEC 62196 Series: Defines plugs, socket-outlets, and vehicle connectors for EV charging, ensuring compatibility and safety.
• National Standards: May be withdrawn or updated in line with this harmonized amendment to avoid conflicting regulations within EU member countries.

Keywords: electric vehicle charging, DC charging equipment, EN IEC 61851-23, EV supply equipment, CENELEC, conductive charging systems, e-mobility standards, European standardization, Annex BB, EV infrastructure compliance