Understanding AB 2037: California's EV Charger Certification Requirement

Introduction

California has established itself as the nation's leader in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.8 million EVs registered on the road today.

However, as the EV market expands rapidly, regulators have recognized a critical gap: the lack of standardized certification for EV charging equipment. Enter Assembly Bill 2037 (AB 2037), a landmark piece of legislation that fundamentally changes how commercial EV chargers must be tested, certified, and maintained in California.

What is AB 2037?

AB 2037, effective January 1, 2026, extended county sealer jurisdiction to electric vehicle charging stations operated by public agencies. This means that public agencies—including municipalities, utilities, transit agencies, and public facilities—must now have their EV chargers tested and certified by a Registered Service Agency (RSA) authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This requirement applies to chargers that bill users for electricity. Commercial operators were already required to certify chargers under BPC §12532.

The law represents California's commitment to ensuring that EV charging infrastructure meets strict accuracy and safety standards, protecting both consumers and the integrity of the state's growing EV ecosystem.

Why Does This Matter?

Accuracy and Consumer Protection

EV chargers measure and dispense electrical energy, similar to gas pumps at a fuel station. Just as gas pumps are regularly tested to ensure accuracy, EV chargers must now be verified to ensure they deliver the correct amount of electricity at the correct rate. This protects EV owners from being overcharged or undercharged for their electricity.

Safety Compliance

Commercial EV chargers operate at high voltages and currents. Proper certification ensures that equipment meets safety standards and poses no risk to users or the electrical grid. A malfunctioning charger could cause equipment damage, electrical fires, or grid instability—all of which certification helps prevent.

Market Credibility

For businesses installing EV charging infrastructure, AB 2037 certification demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and customer service. It signals to employees, customers, and investors that the organization takes EV infrastructure seriously and operates within California's legal framework.

Who Must Comply?

AB 2037 applies to:

**Commercial EV Charging Sites**: Workplaces, retail centers, hotels, hospitals, and other businesses with charging stations

**Multifamily Housing**: Apartment complexes and condominiums with shared charging infrastructure

**Public Charging Networks**: Municipally-operated and utility-operated charging networks

**Fleet Operators**: Companies operating electric vehicle fleets

**Exemptions** include private residential chargers (single-family homes).

The Certification Process

The certification process involves three key steps:

1. **Initial Testing**: A qualified RSA technician visits the charging site and performs comprehensive tests on all chargers, verifying accuracy, safety, and compliance with California standards.

2. **Documentation**: The RSA issues a certification report documenting that all chargers meet regulatory requirements. This report is filed with the CDFA and serves as proof of compliance.

3. **Ongoing Compliance**: Chargers must be recertified following significant repairs or modifications, or on the interval established by the county sealer. County sealers typically inspect commercial EVSE on a two-year cycle. This ensures continuous compliance and safety.

Timeline and Enforcement

AB 2037 became effective on January 1, 2026. The CDFA authorized ChargeScale EV as a California RSA (RSA #5129) to perform these certifications. County sealers are now actively monitoring compliance and issuing citations to non-compliant public agencies. Penalties for operating uncertified chargers can include enforcement action and orders to cease operations until certification is obtained.

What ChargeScale EV Does

ChargeScale EV specializes in AB 2037 certification for commercial and public EV charging sites throughout Northern California. Our process includes:

**Comprehensive Site Audits**: We assess all charging equipment and electrical infrastructure

**Precision Testing**: We verify charger accuracy, safety, and performance using certified equipment

**Documentation**: We provide official certification reports recognized by the CDFA

**Ongoing Support**: We help sites maintain compliance through recertification on the county sealer's inspection cycle and maintenance recommendations

Looking Ahead

As California continues to expand its EV charging network, AB 2037 certification will become increasingly important. For businesses planning to install or expand EV charging infrastructure, obtaining certification early demonstrates regulatory foresight and positions your organization as a leader in sustainable transportation.

Ready to Ensure Compliance?

If you're unsure whether your chargers have been certified or whether a placed-in-service report was filed, ChargeScale EV can review your site and documentation. We provide RSA certification and compliance services across Northern California. Contact us to schedule a site assessment.