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ANSI Priorities for Electric Vehicle Safety and Infrastructure

As electric vehicles (EVs) take center stage in the automotive industry, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is stepping up to ensure that safety, cybersecurity, and infrastructure issues are adequately addressed. The recent release of the April 2026 Gaps Progress Report by the ANSI Electric Vehicles Standards Panel (EVSP) sheds light on the priorities essential for the responsible advancement of electric vehicle standards in the United States.

The EVSP’s latest report marks a significant update in the standards landscape for electric vehicles. Three critical areas that were previously classified as medium priority have now been elevated to high priority. These focal points are:

1. Fire Protection in Older Buildings: One of the key concerns identified is the lack of proper fire protection measures for EV parking and charging facilities situated in or near older buildings. Since these buildings weren't designed with the threats posed by electric vehicles in mind, there is an urgent need for updated standards that address potential fire risks associated with electric vehicle charging.

2. Power Export Capabilities: With the growth of bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-grid applications, there is an increasing importance placed on power export—where EVs can not only draw power but also return it to the electrical grid. Developing standardized protocols in this area is critical as more consumers begin utilizing this technology.

3. Cable Management: As the number of charging stations rises and longer cables are needed in public settings, proper cable management has become a pressing concern. Enhanced cable management is essential to ensure safe and reliable charging environments.

Christine Bernat, ANSI’s Director of Standards Facilitation, addressed the urgency of these issues, stating, "Electric vehicles are no longer a future technology—they are part of how Americans drive, work, and live today." She emphasized that the report provides a clear, impartial overview of the current state of standards and the areas needing adaptation as electric vehicle adoption accelerates.

Industry Collaboration and Coordination

The report is the culmination of extensive collaboration, gathering insights from a vast array of stakeholders, including over 130 organizations spanning federal agencies, national laboratories, industry leaders, and academia. The previous 2023 Roadmap of Standards and Codes for Electric Vehicles identified 37 gaps in standardization, and this latest update showcases progress made on 17 of those gaps, while highlighting the need for immediate actions to address three new priorities.

The ANSI EVSP plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among public- and private-sector stakeholders to coordinate the necessary standards work for the safe, large-scale deployment of electric vehicles. Although the panel itself does not create standards, it identifies the necessary areas for action and tracks progress, helping to unify the industry's direction towards effective EV deployment.

A Living Document for Future Adaptation

This report is intended to be a living document, which will be updated continuously as standards work evolves. The ongoing updates will keep stakeholders informed about the progress and ensure alignment as the EV market continues to evolve. This adaptability is crucial for staying ahead of the rapidly changing landscape of electric vehicle technology and infrastructure needs.

Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to the standards discussion or wanting to keep updated can do so by downloading the report or reaching out via the provided contact information.

In conclusion, ANSI’s proactive approach in setting these standards marks a pivotal point in electric vehicle safety and infrastructure development. By engaging industry stakeholders early and often, ANSI aims to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles not only meets consumer expectations but is also done with safety and efficiency in mind. As electric vehicles become an integral part of American life, the collaboration and focus on proper standards will help create a robust future for the EV industry.