EV Charging Standards and Protocols in Singapore 2025

EV charging standards and protocols are the technical frameworks that enable seamless, safe, and efficient energy transfer between the electric grid, charging hardware, and vehicles. They ensure interoperability by allowing drivers to charge any compatible EV at any public or private charging station without hassle. As Singapore accelerates toward its 2040 goal of phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles, understanding EV charging standards and protocols becomes crucial for infrastructure developers, property owners, and fleet operators. This technical guide examines the current landscape of charging standards in Singapore, regulatory requirements, and emerging protocol developments shaping the market in 2025.

📌 TL;DR - A Guide to EV Charging Standards

• Primary Connector Types - CCS2 (Combined Charging System Type 2) dominates, with CHAdeMO and GB/T for specific vehicle segments

• AC Charging Standards - Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) universally adopted for Level 2 charging applications

• DC Fast Charging - CCS2 leads market adoption, CHAdeMO for Japanese vehicles, GB/T gaining traction with Chinese EVs

• Communication Protocols - OCPP 1.6J/2.0.1 mandated for interoperability, ISO 15118 emerging for advanced features

• Safety Standards - IEC 61851 series compliance required, local adaptations through SS CP5 electrical code

• Network Interoperability - OCPI protocol enables roaming between charging networks

• Future Technologies - Wireless charging pilots, bidirectional charging development, and ultra-fast charging deployment

Singapore’s Updated TR 25 National Standard

Singapore’s national EV charging standard, Technical Reference 25 (TR 25), has undergone significant enhancements to reflect the latest global best practices and safety requirements. The most recent version, TR 25:2022, establishes technical and safety benchmarks for EV charging systems across the country. New charger modes Includes two low-power modes; Mode 2A and Mode 2B to support portable chargers and detachable batteries at common 15A outlets. They have also been updated to reflect higher power capacity, increasing to 400 kW for CHAdeMO and 500 kW for CCS systems, thus paving the way for ultra-fast charging adoption in Singapore.

Regulatory Safety & Licensing Under the EV Charging Act

The Electric Vehicles Charging Act (2022), enforced from December 2023, provides a robust legal framework for EV charging in Singapore.

• Charger certification: All deployed chargers must be type-approved and registered with the LTA or risk fines up to SGD 10,000 or licensing penalties.

• Operator licensing: Public charging service providers must be licensed and adhere to uptime, insurance, and data sharing requirements.

• Building mandates: Developments involving new or expanded building or electrical works must now include passive (spare capacity) and, in many cases, active provisions for EV chargers. Condominium EV vote thresholds have also been lowered to 50%.

Hardware Communication

1️⃣ OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) Implementation

Singapore mandates OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliance for public charging infrastructure to ensure interoperability between charging stations and management systems. OCPP 1.6J represents the current baseline requirement, with OCPP 2.0.1 adoption increasing for new installations seeking advanced functionality.

OCPP implementation enables charging station manufacturers and network operators to work together without proprietary lock-in, promoting competitive markets and operational flexibility.

2️⃣ ISO 15118: Advanced Communication Features

ISO 15118 "Vehicle to Grid Communication Interface" represents the next generation of EV charging communication, enabling advanced features including Plug & Charge authentication, smart charging optimization, and bidirectional power flow management.

The protocol's digital certificate-based authentication eliminates the need for RFID cards or mobile apps, providing seamless charging experiences while maintaining security and billing accuracy. This capability particularly benefits commercial fleets and ride-sharing operations where simplified charging access improves operational efficiency.

3️⃣ OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) for Roaming

OCPI facilitates roaming between different charging networks by standardizing data exchange protocols for location information, pricing, authentication, and billing across network boundaries. This capability enhances user convenience while enabling charging infrastructure operators to maximize utilization through expanded user access.

Implementation considerations include data privacy compliance, financial settlement mechanisms, and service level agreement management between roaming partners.

Convenience & Compliance: Payment, Roaming, and Uptime

New regulations emphasize user accessibility and operational resilience:

• Payment flexibility: As of December 2023, public chargers must support credit card and QR payment expanding beyond proprietary apps or cards.

• Operator handover readiness: If an operator leaves the market, regulations ensure charging networks can be easily transferred without service gaps.

Why this matters

Benefits	Insight
Risk mitigation	Ensures legal compliance and avoids hefty fines or downtime.
Future-ready	Supports fast chargers and high-power systems, both key for fleet or high-usage scenarios.
Enhanced EV experience	Simplifies charging for drivers, where more convenience drives usage.
Scalability	Easily adapt to new standards and tech
Operational Efficiency	Licenses and robust regulations bolster network resilience and uptime.

AC Charging Standards: IEC 62196-2 Type 2

The Type 2 standard's adoption reflects practical considerations including widespread vehicle compatibility, mature supply chains, and proven safety performance in diverse climate conditions. Singapore's electrical infrastructure, based on 400V three-phase systems, aligns well with Type 2 connector capabilities, enabling efficient power delivery without requiring specialized electrical configurations.

Local adaptations include enhanced weather sealing requirements for tropical conditions and compliance with SS CP5 electrical safety standards. Charging equipment manufacturers must demonstrate compatibility with Singapore's electrical grid parameters and environmental conditions to receive local certification approvals.

DC Fast Charging: CCS2 (Combined Charging System Type 2)

Singapore's CCS2 infrastructure deployment focuses on high-power charging corridors and commercial applications where fast charging speeds provide operational benefits. Major charging networks including SP Group, Shell Recharge, and BlueCharge have prioritized CCS2 compatibility in their network expansion strategies. The protocol's advanced communication capabilities support features including Plug & Charge authentication, dynamic load management, and bidirectional charging preparation.

Emerging Technologies

1. Wireless Charging Technology

   Singapore has initiated pilot programs for wireless EV charging technology, exploring both stationary and dynamic charging applications. Current pilots focus on bus fleets and controlled environments where wireless charging can provide operational advantages over plug-in systems.

2. Ultra-Fast Charging Development

   These installations require specialized electrical infrastructure and cooling systems to manage high power levels safely. Technical challenges include cable management for high-current applications, thermal management systems, and grid impact mitigation for multiple high-power charging sessions.

3. Bidirectional Charging and V2G Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology development in Singapore focuses on grid stability services and renewable energy integration opportunities. Bidirectional charging standards including CHAdeMO V2G, CCS bidirectional extensions, and ISO 15118-20 provide technical foundations for V2G deployment. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) works with industry stakeholders to establish policies supporting V2G adoption while maintaining grid stability and safety.

For property and facility leaders, aligning with the latest charging standards is a strategic asset enhancement. Make these updates central to your EV deployment strategy to stay ahead in efficiency, usability, and adaptability. Need help implementing compliant and smart charging infrastructure? Connect with us!