1. (a) Applicability. This section applies to:

   1. (1) all battery electric vehicles, range extended battery electric vehicles, except for model year 2006 through 2013 neighborhood electric vehicles, that qualify for ZEV credit under section 1962.1 and 1962.2; and
   2. (2) all hybrid electric vehicles that are capable of being recharged by a battery charger that transfers energy from the electricity grid to the vehicle for purposes of recharging the vehicle traction battery.

2. (b) Definitions.

   1. (1) The definitions in section 1962.1 and 1962.2 apply to this section.

3. (c) Requirements.

   1. (1) Beginning with the 2006 model year, all vehicles identified in subdivision (a) must be equipped with a conductive charger inlet and charging system which meets all the specifications applicable to AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging contained in Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice SAE J1772 REV JAN 2010, SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charger Coupler, which is incorporated herein by reference. All such vehicles must also be equipped with an on-board charger with a minimum output of 3.3 kilowatts, or, sufficient power to enable a complete charge in less than 4 hours.

   2. (2) A manufacturer may apply to the Executive Officer for approval to use an alternative to the AC inlet described in subdivision (c)(1), provided that the following conditions are met:

      1. (A) each vehicle is supplied with a rigid adaptor that would enable the vehicle to meet all of the remaining system and on-board charger requirements described in subdivision (c)(1); and
      2. (B) the rigid adaptor and alternative inlet must be tested and approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

For purposes of this section, any cross-referenced section in title 13 or title 17 of the California Code of Regulations shall refer to the section identified as the alternative version “(Alternative)” for the corresponding section, to the extent an alternative version of that section exists.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 39600, 39601, 43013, 43018, 43101, 43104 and 43105, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 38562, 39002, 39003, 39667, 43000, 43009.5, 43013, 43018, 43018.5, 43100, 43101, 43101.5, 43102, 43104, 43105, 43106, 43107, 43204 and 43205.5, Health and Safety Code.

History

1. New section filed 10-2-2025 as an emergency; operative 10-2-2025 (Register 2025, No. 40). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 4-1-2026 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

2. New section refiled 3-26-2026 as an emergency; operative 4-1-2026 (Register 2026, No. 13). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 6-30-2026 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.