Charging station inspections

The role of Elaad in charging station inspections

ElaadNL facilitates the inspection of charging stations. A clear process has been developed for this, so that every inspection takes place in the same way. The manufacturer approval process consists of five simple steps:

1. Make an appointment for an introduction to ElaadNL. This can be done by calling 026-3120223 or by emailing info@elaad.nl. During the introduction we explain the process, we go through the most important points and possible questions are answered.
2. Share the connectivity report. If this is in order, we let the inspection process continue.
3. Share the specifications, an installation manual and other documentation with ElaadNL. Download the document ‘Checklist Documentation for Inspection Request‘ below for an overview of the requested documentation.
4. If the supplied documentation is complete, we will schedule an inspection date where you, as the manufacturer, will be present together with the network operators and ElaadNL.
5. On the inspection day, you take the charging station to ElaadNL. A physical check is then carried out to see whether the network operator part of the charging station meets the requirements of the network operators. These requirements are described in the ‘Connection specifications for charging objects 3x25A – 3x80A‘. The connection specifications can also be downloaded below.
6. Afterwards, we discuss the results and check the supplied documentation. When all this is in order, you will receive a certificate for approval with which the charging station is demonstrably approved for connection to the electricity grid. In the event of a rejection, we discuss the feedback and plan a re-examination.

• Upon approval, you will receive a certificate with which the charging station is demonstrably approved for connection to the electricity grid.
• In case of rejection, we discuss the points for improvement. Based on the nature of the points, we plan a new inspection moment or we agree that necessary changes will be made transparent.

If this process has been successfully completed, the charging station will be added to the list of approved charging stations and may be connected in public spaces throughout the Netherlands! We also cordially invite manufacturers to add a copy of the approved charging station to the ElaadNL Testplein. For example, we can include these in interoperability and Smart Charging tests with electric vehicles.

Connection specifications of charging stations

The document ‘Connection specifications for charging objects 3x25A – 3x80A‘ (downloadable at the bottom of this section, also in Dutch) forms the basis on which the inspection service inspects the grid operator’s part of new charging objects models for admission to the electricity grid. The inspection service is coordinated from ElaadNL and the inspection is performed by experts from the collaborating network operators. The requirements have been drawn up in such a way that a safe and reliable connection to the public electricity grid is guaranteed.

The development of these specifications is an important step towards further standardization of the technology in charging objects. The document is mainly intended for producers of these charging objects. The advantage for charge point producers and parties that put charge points on the market is that the grid manager part of a charge point only needs to be inspected once and can then be used throughout the Netherlands in all service areas of the different grid managers.

An important condition is that a smart meter is placed in the charging objects. This smart meter makes it possible to read and exchange measurement data remotely. To substantiate this connectivity, we request that a connectivity test be performed in the current Connection Specifications, in which a maximum damping has been set for the housing. The connection specifications are also suitable for heavier connections, up to 3x80A. This forms the basis for faster charging, which is in line with the trend of new electric cars entering the market. The publications are more widely applicable than just charging stations. They are also suitable for other charging objects such as charging lanterns.

Charging objects that have not yet been approved have been inspected since 2018 on the basis of the Connection Specifications. From April 1, 2023, all new charging objects to be installed must at least comply with the updated Connection Specifications, version 3.0. The smart meter connectivity test protocol is available at the bottom of this page.

Charging lamp posts

Charging stations and lamp posts both require a connection to the energy grid, but they also both have their own specific properties. As a result, there are clear differences between these objects. When integrating both into charging lamp posts, there are a number of points to consider. Based on practical examples from previous pilots and future developments, the charging lamp posts information sheet discusses the differences and offers important points for attention when realizing charging lamp posts.

Approved charging stations

Below are the public charging stations approved by the grid operators with an integrated grid connection. These charging stations can be safely and reliably connected in public spaces to the electricity grid throughout the Netherlands. In order to also be approved, we use a standard process for this grid operator inspection.

Note: The grid operator’s approval is only intended to ensure a safe and reliable connection to the public electricity grid. A charging solution without an integrated grid connection can therefore not be inspected according to the grid operator’s inspection.

The table below provides an overview of the charging stations that are currently approved in accordance with Connection Specifications v2.1, and have therefore successfully passed the grid operator’s inspection.