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Contractor Specs

The NEVI program established a set of minimum technical standards for federally funded EV charging stations. Following updated guidance released in August 2025, some planning requirements have been streamlined, but core hardware and performance standards remain in effect to ensure a reliable national network. 

Core Technical Requirements:

  • Power Output: Stations must provide at least four DC fast charging (DCFC) ports capable of delivering a minimum of 150 kW simultaneously from each port.

  • Total Site Capacity: A minimum power capacity of 600 kW is required per location.

  • Connector Standards: Chargers must have at least one permanently attached Combined Charging System (CCS) connector per port. Other connectors, like the J3400 (NACS), are allowed as long as the CCS requirement is met.

  • Reliability: Stations must maintain a 97% annual uptime.

  • Payment Methods: Sites must offer a contactless payment method (major credit/debit cards) and an alternative via a toll-free number or SMS. No membership is required to use the chargers. 

Interoperability & Connectivity:

  • Communication Protocols: Chargers must conform to ISO 15118 for vehicle communication and OCPP 2.0.1 (or higher) for network communication.

  • Data Sharing: Real-time data regarding station location, pricing, and availability must be publicly accessible through mapping applications. 

Site Requirements:

  • Accessibility: Sites must be available 24/7 and comply with ADA standards for physical access. 

Funding:

  • NEVI is an 80/20 match program. Up to 80% of the total cost can be covered by NEVI funds, while the remaining 20% must be matched with state, local, and/or private funds.

NEVI Compliance Specification Sheet (OK)

1. General Program Requirements

  • Funding Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
  • Corridor Focus: I‑35, I‑40, I‑44, US‑69, and other designated Alternative Fuel Corridors
  • Charger Type: DC Fast Charging (DCFC) only
  • Minimum Power:
    • Each port must deliver a minimum of 150 kW
    • Each site must support 600 kW total simultaneous output across at least 4 ports

2. Hardware & Equipment Standards

  • Connector Types:
    • CCS required
    • NACS is optional but encouraged as Oklahoma transitions to multi‑standard support
  • Uptime Requirement:
    • 97% minimum charger uptime per federal rules
  • Open Standards:
    • Must support OCPP 2.0.1 or higher
    • Must allow for open‑network interoperability
  • Payment Systems:
    • Must accept credit/debit tap or swipe
    • Must support contactless payment
    • No membership required for use

3. Site Design & Construction Requirements

  • ADA Compliance:
    • At least one accessible charging space
    • Clear floor space and accessible routes are required
    • Accessible height per ADA
  • Parking Layout:
    • Minimum of 4 dedicated EV charging spaces
  • Lighting:
    • Must meet IES roadway lighting standards
    • Provide safe nighttime visibility
  • Signage:
    • FHWA‑compliant wayfinding signage
    • On‑site signage indicating charging rules, pricing, and emergency contacts
  • Weatherization:
    • Equipment must operate reliably in Oklahoma’s temperature range
    • Protection from wind, hail, and severe weather is recommended

4. Electrical & Utility Requirements

  • Power Delivery:
    • Utility‑verified capacity for 600 kW minimum
    • Dedicated transformer recommended
  • Interconnection:
    • Contractors must coordinate with the serving utility (OG&E, PSO, or local co‑op)
    • Load studies and service upgrade requests are required early in design
  • Grounding & Safety:
    • NEC‑compliant grounding
    • Surge protection required
    • Emergency shutoff switch accessible and clearly labeled
  • Conduit & Future‑Proofing:
    • Oversized conduit recommended for future expansion
    • Spare conduit runs are encouraged

5. Communications & Networking Requirements

  • Reliable Connectivity:
    • Wired fiber preferred
    • Cellular acceptable with redundancy
  • Cybersecurity:
    • Must meet FHWA cybersecurity guidelines
    • Secure remote monitoring required
  • Data Reporting:
    • Real‑time charger status
    • Session data (energy delivered, duration, cost)
    • Uptime reporting
    • Data must be transmitted to the national NEVI database EV-ChART

6. Buy America & Procurement Requirements

  • Buy America Compliance:
    • Steel, iron, and manufactured products must meet FHWA Buy America rules
    • Chargers must be final assembled in the U.S.
    • Minimum 55% domestic content (increasing per federal schedule)
  • Approved Vendor Lists:
    • Contractors must use NEVI‑certified hardware and software vendors
    • Documentation required at submittal

7. Operations & Maintenance Requirements

  • Warranty:
    • Minimum 5‑year warranty on chargers
  • Maintenance Response Times:
    • 24‑hour response for outages
    • 72‑hour repair window for critical failures
  • Spare Parts:
    • Contractors must maintain a parts inventory or vendor agreement
  • Monitoring:
    • Remote monitoring is required 24/7
    • Automated fault detection preferred

8. Documentation & Closeout Requirements

  • As‑Built Drawings:
    • Electrical one‑lines
    • Site layout
    • Conduit routing
  • Commissioning Reports:
    • Load testing
    • Network connectivity verification
    • Payment system validation
  • Compliance Certifications:
    • Buy America documentation
    • ADA compliance verification
    • Utility interconnection approval
  • Training:
    • On‑site training for owner/operator staff
    • Documentation for troubleshooting and maintenance
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