Green NCAP and the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on evaluating electric vehicle charging interoperability, with plans to integrate CharIN’s conformance testing into future vehicle assessments.
The initiative, which evaluates the environmental performance of passenger cars, said the move would expand its scope to include how effectively electric vehicles interact with different charging infrastructures. The collaboration is intended to provide clearer, independent insights for consumers, fleet operators, and policymakers.
See also: Cold Weather, Charging, and Heating Significantly Impact EV Range, Green NCAP Finds
Green NCAP, an offshoot of Euro NCAP known for its crash safety ratings, has assessed vehicle environmental performance since 2019, focusing on emissions, energy consumption, and greenhouse gases. The new agreement would add a layer of analysis focused on charging compatibility and system performance.
CharIN’s conformance assessment programmes are designed to ensure that electric vehicles and charging equipment meet established technical standards and protocols. According to the organisations, these tests verify that both vehicles and chargers function as intended and comply with recognised industry specifications.
See also: EV Drivers Prefer Plug & Charge but Face App-Heavy Reality, USCALE Study Finds
“The transition to electric mobility must be supported by transparency, reliability, and interoperability,” said Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Technical Director of Green NCAP. “By working with CharIN and recognizing its conformance testing programmes, we are strengthening the information available to consumers about charging compatibility and performance.”
“This collaboration supports our mission to empower drivers and fleets to make well-informed, sustainable mobility choices based on verified and independent assessments,” he added.
CharIN Chief Technology Officer Michael Keller said the partnership would help address a key barrier to EV adoption. “Interoperability is a key prerequisite for a reliable and user-friendly EV charging experience. Through this cooperation with Green NCAP, we are taking an important step toward increasing transparency around charging compatibility and performance,” Keller said.
“By integrating CharIN’s Conformance Testing programs into independent assessments, we can help ensure that vehicles and charging infrastructure work seamlessly together and support the continued growth of e-mobility,” he added.
See also: Design Plays Key Role in Attracting EV Buyers, Research Indicates
Interoperability refers to the ability of vehicles and charging stations from different manufacturers and networks to operate seamlessly across regions. Industry stakeholders view this as essential to improving user experience and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility.
Green NCAP said the tests could be conducted in line with CharIN’s established procedures or through accredited partners, ensuring alignment with international standards. The organisations did not specify a timeline for implementation.
The collaboration reflects growing efforts within the automotive and charging industries to standardise performance metrics and improve the reliability of EV charging ecosystems.
