| Charging power and configuration | Confirm AC or DC equipment, rated output, number of charging points, and whether power is shared between connectors. | AC equipment is commonly specified in kilowatts, with examples such as 7, 11, and 22 kW. DC equipment is available across a wider range; select output according to vehicle compatibility, site capacity, and expected dwell time. | Model-specific datasheet, single-line diagram, rated-power statement, and power-sharing description. |
| Grid and electrical compatibility | Check input voltage and frequency, phase requirements, maximum current, grounding arrangement, and protective devices. | Requirements vary by destination market and site. Have the local electrical designer verify the proposed equipment against the supply connection and applicable electrical codes. | Electrical specifications, installation manual, protection-device details, and a site load assessment. |
| Connector and vehicle compatibility | Identify the connector types required for the target vehicle fleet and market, including any regional charging standards. | For China-market projects, verify applicable GB/T connector and communication requirements. For international deployments, confirm the connector and vehicle interface required in each destination. | Connector specification, supported vehicle-interface standards, and compatibility test records. |
| Communication and backend integration | Check network interfaces, remote monitoring, user authentication, transaction records, and integration with the selected charging-management platform. | OCPP 1.6J and OCPP 2.0.1 are protocol versions used for communication between charging stations and central systems. Confirm the exact supported functions and test interoperability rather than relying on a protocol label alone. | Protocol conformance information, integration test results, API documentation, and a demonstration using the intended backend. |
| Safety and conformity | Review electrical safety, insulation, temperature protection, emergency functions, enclosure protection, and market-specific compliance. | IEC 61851 covers conductive charging systems, and IEC 62196 covers plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets. Applicable requirements and accepted conformity marks depend on the destination market. | Current certificates and test reports for the exact model, issuing-laboratory details, and a list of applicable standards. |
| Outdoor and environmental suitability | Assess enclosure rating, operating temperature range, corrosion protection, ventilation, and resistance to site-specific weather conditions. | Choose ratings and environmental limits based on the installation location. An IP rating describes protection against dust and water ingress; it does not by itself establish suitability for every outdoor condition. | Model datasheet, enclosure test report, environmental operating limits, and recommended maintenance conditions. |
| Manufacturing and quality controls | Evaluate production traceability, incoming-material inspection, end-of-line testing, change control, and management of defects. | Ask how production batches are identified and how corrective actions are documented. Assess the actual manufacturing site and processes, not only general company statements. | Quality-management documentation, sample inspection records, factory audit access, and production test procedures. |
| Warranty and service coverage | Clarify warranty duration, covered components, exclusions, spare-parts availability, response times, and responsibility for field repairs. | Compare the written warranty and service plan with the project’s operating hours and location. Confirm who provides local technical support and how replacement parts are shipped. | Warranty terms, service-level agreement, spare-parts list, escalation contacts, and service coverage map. |
| Installation and commissioning | Check requirements for foundations, cabling, network access, commissioning, operator training, and acceptance testing. | Define site responsibilities before purchase. Include commissioning and functional tests in the project schedule and acceptance criteria. | Installation guide, commissioning checklist, training plan, and site-acceptance test template. |
| Commercial and delivery terms | Compare quotation scope, tooling or customization charges, lead time, Incoterms, packaging, payment schedule, and shipment documentation. | Compare like-for-like configurations and clarify whether freight, duties, installation, software, and commissioning are included. Confirm delivery dates against production capacity. | Itemized quotation, confirmed lead time, packing specification, agreed Incoterm, and shipment-document checklist. |
| Supplier selection approach | Score technical fit, compliance, integration, quality, service, delivery, and total cost against project priorities. | Use the same evaluation criteria for every shortlisted supplier. Validate critical claims with documents, sample testing, and references relevant to the destination market. | Completed evaluation matrix, technical clarification log, sample-test results, and written commercial comparison. |