Final Regulation Order – Part 5 Final §1962.3 

Hearing Date: January 26 and 27, 2012 

Amended: March 22, 2012 

1 

Final Regulation Order – Part 5 

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING REQUIREMENTS 

Note: Set forth below are the 2012 amendments to the California zero emission 

vehicle (ZEV) regulation. The text of the amendments is shown in underline to 

indicate additions and strikeout to indicate deletions, compared to the preexisting 

regulatory language. 

Amend (and Renumber) Title 13, Motor Vehicles, Division 3, Air Resources 

Board, Chapter 1, Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Devices, Article 2, Approval of 

Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Devices (New Vehicles), § 1962.2, Electric 

Vehicle Charging Requirements to read: 

§ 1962.2.3. Electric Vehicle Charging Requirements. 

(a) Applicability. This section applies to: 

(1) all battery electric vehicles, range extended battery electric vehicles, 

except for model year 2006 through 2013 neighborhood electric vehicles, 

that qualify for 1.0 or greater ZEV credit under section 1962.1 and 1962.2;, 

and 

(2) all hybrid electric vehicles that are capable of being recharged by a 

battery charger that transfers energy from the electricity grid to the vehicle 

for purposes of recharging the vehicle traction battery, other than battery 

electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles that are only capable of Level 

1 charging. 

(b) Definitions. 

(1) The definitions in section 1962.1 and 1962.2 apply to this section. 

(2) "Level 1 charging" means a charging method that allows an electric 

vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle to be charged by having its charger 

connected to the most common grounded receptacle (NEMA 5-15R). A 

vehicle that is only capable of Level 1 charging is one that is charged by 

an on-board or off-board charger capable of accepting energy from the 

existing AC supply network. The maximum power is 12 amps, with a 

branch circuit rating of 15 amps, and continuous power of 1.44 kilowatts. 

(c) Requirements. 

(1) Beginning with the 2006 model year, all vehicles identified in 

subsection subdivision (a) must be equipped with a conductive charger 

inlet port and charging system which meets all the specifications 

applicable to AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging contained in Society of 
Final Regulation Order – Part 5 Final §1962.3 

Hearing Date: January 26 and 27, 2012 

Amended: March 22, 2012 

2 

Automotive Engineers (SAE) Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice 

SAE J1772 REV NOV 2001 JAN 2010, SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in 

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler, which is incorporated 

herein by reference. All such vehicles must also be equipped with an onboard charger with a minimum output of 3.3 kilovolt amps.kilowatts, or, 

sufficient power to enable a complete charge in less than 4 hours. 

(2) A manufacturer may apply to the Executive Officer for approval to use 

an alternative to the AC inlet described in subdivision (c)(1), provided that 

the following conditions are met: 

 (A) each vehicle is supplied with a rigid adaptor that would enable 

the vehicle to meet all of the remaining system and on-board 

charger requirements described in subdivision (c)(1); and 

 (B) the rigid adaptor and alternative inlet must be tested and 

approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 39600, 39601, 43013, 43018, 43101, 43104 and 43105, Health 

and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 38562, 39002, 39003, 39667, 43000, 43009.5, 43013, 

43018, 43018.5, 43100, 43101, 43101.5, 43102, 43104, 43105, 43106, 43107, 43204 and 

43205.5, Health and Safety Code.