SWTCH secures CTEP certification for its EV charging platform

ExecSum

SWTCH has secured California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) certification for its EV charging platform, confirming that its metering and billing systems meet rigorous accuracy and integrity standards. The approval allows SWTCH and its partners to bill drivers by kilowatt-hour (kWh) rather than by time, enabling fairer pricing and compliance with California’s strict commercial metering requirements.

Why this matters

CTEP certification is the EV charging equivalent of weights-and-measures approval for gas pumps—it proves the platform accurately measures energy delivered and bills customers correctly. In California and other states with similar standards, certification is increasingly a prerequisite for operating legally, accessing incentives, and winning commercial contracts. Without it, networks are locked out of the largest, most lucrative markets. With it, they gain credibility with property owners, utilities, and regulators who demand transparency and auditability.

Key insights

• Passed California’s metering accuracy tests: SWTCH’s platform meets stringent CTEP requirements for measurement precision, data integrity, and billing transparency—standards designed to protect consumers and ensure fair commerce
• Enables kWh-based pricing: Operators can now charge drivers based on actual energy consumed rather than session duration, eliminating the distortions and perceived unfairness of time-based tariffs
• Opens California and reciprocal markets: CTEP approval grants access to California—the nation’s largest EV market—and states that recognize California’s certification, dramatically expanding addressable commercial opportunities
• Reinforces open standards strategy: Builds on SWTCH’s earlier OCPP certifications, positioning the platform as interoperable, compliance-ready, and built for institutional-grade deployments in multifamily and commercial properties

Our take

CTEP certification is emerging as a critical barrier to entry in premium charging markets. As EV infrastructure matures, property owners and site hosts are no longer choosing networks based solely on hardware specs or upfront cost—they’re evaluating regulatory compliance, billing transparency, and operational auditability. SWTCH’s certification gives it a decisive advantage in RFPs where compliance is mandatory and a credibility edge in negotiations where it’s not. For multifamily properties, this means defensible utility cost allocation and simplified resident billing. For commercial sites, it means accurate revenue tracking and alignment with corporate sustainability reporting. For regulators and utilities, it means verifiable data for demand response, load management, and incentive programs. The network effects compound: certification attracts high-quality site partners, which drives utilization and data quality, which strengthens SWTCH’s case for the next round of contracts. This isn’t bureaucratic overhead—it’s competitive infrastructure. As more states adopt metering standards and institutional buyers demand proof of compliance, networks without CTEP or equivalent certification will find themselves priced out of the most attractive opportunities. SWTCH just secured its seat at that table.