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An important part of the electric vehicle (EV) system is the charging infrastructure: the equipment, standards, and procedures needed to safely and conveniently connect an EV to the electric power supply. This paper summarizes charging modes and equipment being developed for charging EVs at home, public facilities, and electric service stations. It reports on development of cords and connecting devices and their electrical ratings. It also reports on efforts to modify electrical and building codes that impede EV commercialization. The paper concludes that key elements of the charging infrastructure can be ready when EVs are marketed.

The potential benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) have prompted legislation mandating EV use in areas with air quality problems. For example, California's legislation requires automakers to begin selling EVs in the state in 1998. In response, the utility industry is working to establish a national recharging infrastructure to provide the elements necessary to make EV use safe and convenient. Infrastructure components include connecting standards and hardware, convenient residential and public charging stations, safety standards and procedures, utility load management controls, and educational material. This paper discusses infrastructure issues and describes the work being conducted under the Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI's) research program.