LTA elevates national standard for EV charging systems

LTA has announced that in support of Singapore's continued expansion of its EV charging network and the adoption of emerging charging technologies, the national EV charging standard - Technical Reference 25 - will be elevated to a Singapore Standard, SS 722 with effect from 1 April 2026.

The standard will also be expanded to include updated specifications and guidelines for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of EV charging systems in Singapore to enhance their safety and reliability.

This elevation also supports the continued expansion of Singapore's charging network through standardised technical practices that ensure consistent quality across charging stations islandwide.

The upgrade to SS 722 follows a review undertaken by a public-private Working Group appointed by the Singapore Standards Council, overseen by Enterprise Singapore, and supported by LTA.

This review also examined the need for emerging charging solutions within the evolving EV landscape and specific infrastructure requirements to ensure the safe installation, maintenance, and operation of charging stations.

The key changes and expanded scope of SS 722 include the updating of EV charging systems to cater for new types of EV charging systems such as wireless charging stations, mobile charging systems, and battery charge and swap stations for four-wheeled vehicles.

And under the new standard, vehicles fitted with a dedicated wireless power receiver can be charged simply by parking over a charging pad, without needing to plug into a charging station. The standard includes safety requirements to ensure that wireless EV charging stations operate safely and do not pose any safety hazards to drivers or the public.

This also includes cybersecurity requirements for Charging Station Management Systems and EV charging equipment communications to protect charging infrastructure, as well as guidance on smart grid integration and the support of smart charging capabilities for more efficient energy management.

In addition, DC charging stations have been updated to align with the latest International Electrotechnical Commission standard. The updated requirements call for stricter temperature controls, enhanced integrity checks on cable insulation, and more precise power output.

And on top of existing specifications for electric motorcycles, the new standard will cover battery charge and swap stations for four-wheelers, such as electric heavy goods vehicles. It will also introduce requirements for mobile EV charging systems - DC EV chargers connected to a battery system and mounted on a vehicle such as a van or truck - that can provide on-demand charging at any location.

Chargers that have already been type-approved under the EV Charging Act based on the earlier TR 25 standards do not need to be re-certified to the new SS standard. There will be a transition period of two and a half years before compliance with SS 722 becomes mandatory for new chargers.