625.49 Power for Systems Operating in Island Mode.
Code Change Summary: New code section on EVPE and EVSE operating in island mode.
Advancing technology has resulted in Electric Vehicle Power Export Equipment (EVPE) capable of bidirectional current flow from the Electric Vehicle (EV) to the premises wiring system. This permits an EV to export power back into the power grid once EV charging is complete.
The 2020 NEC® changes in Section 625.48 brought language that aligns with newer types of EVPE that can export power to external loads using the electric vehicle as a power source.
In the 2023 NEC®, new Section 625.49 was added to address the expansion of EVPE and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) functionality within on-site power systems operating is island mode.
The term “Island Mode” (defined in Article 100) refers to the operating mode for power production equipment or microgrids that allows energy to be supplied to loads that are disconnected from an electric power production and distribution network or other primary power source.
New Section 625.49 clarifies that EVPE and bidirectional EVSE incorporating a power export function shall be permitted to be a part of an interconnected power system operating in island mode.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2020 Code Language:
This code section did not exist.
2023 Code Language:
N 625.49 Island Mode. EVPE and bidirectional EVSE that incorporate a power export function shall be permitted to be a part of an interconnected power system operating in island mode.