DLC Parent Organization Launches EV Charger Organization

The Electric Vehicle Charging Accessibility Network (EVCAN) is a nonprofit-led, multi-stakeholder technical network focused on EV charging accessibility, interoperability, and deployment support. EVCAN is an emerging framework for addressing one of the EV industry’s most persistent barriers: equitable, reliable, and standards-based access to charging infrastructure. As EV adoption increases across North America, EVCAN represents a coordinated effort among public agencies, utilities, and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that charging networks are not only widespread, but also usable, interoperable, and inclusive.

EVCAN is an initiative of Efficiency Forward, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a stakeholder-driven structure rather than a traditional membership association. Its basic organizational setup centers on convening utilities, manufacturers, solution providers, states, municipalities, NGOs, and foundations around shared EV charging goals. Efficiency Forward, Inc. is also the parent organization of Design Lights Consortium (DLC). Like DLC, EVCAN has built a Qualified Product List (QPL) of qualified Charge Station Management Systems.

EVCAN’s operating model relies on a few core elements: a Program Advisory Committee, an EV Charging Solutions Working Group, and utility program specialists along with industry experts who help define technical criteria and best practices. EVCAN will function as a coordination and standards-support network, rather than a grantmaking body or regulator.

In practical terms, the organization is built to do three things:

• Convene stakeholders and create a shared forum for coordination.
• Develop tools, technical guidance, and public-facing resources for decision-makers.
• Support scalable, reliable, and connected EV charging deployment through impartial product information and criteria.

At its core, EVCAN is designed to align infrastructure deployment with accessibility principles that extend beyond basic geographic coverage. This includes compliance with ADA guidelines, standardized connector availability, transparent pricing, and real-time data integration. For charging network operators and equipment manufacturers, the initiative signals a shift toward performance-based infrastructure metrics rather than simple installation counts.

One of the most significant implications of EVCAN is its emphasis on interoperability. Historically, fragmented payment systems, proprietary software platforms, and inconsistent user interfaces have created friction for EV drivers. EVCAN promotes open protocols such as OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) and OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface), encouraging seamless roaming across networks. For hardware manufacturers, this reinforces the importance of firmware flexibility and backward compatibility as procurement specifications evolve.

From a policy standpoint, EVCAN aligns closely with federal and state funding mechanisms, including programs under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Funding eligibility is increasingly tied to uptime requirements, accessibility standards, and data reporting capabilities—topics directly addressed by EVCAN guidelines. This creates both opportunities and compliance challenges for stakeholders seeking to participate in publicly funded deployments.

Utilities play a central role in the EVCAN ecosystem. Managed charging, demand response integration, and grid-aware infrastructure sit at the intersection of accessibility and grid reliability. EVCAN encourages utilities to collaborate with site hosts and network providers to optimize load management while maintaining user-centric design. This is particularly relevant for multi-unit dwellings and underserved communities, where charging access has historically lagged. Some utilities also offer rebates for EV charging equipment and installations.

For the supply chain, EVCAN introduces new design considerations. Charging stations must increasingly accommodate a wider range of users, including those with mobility limitations. This affects mounting heights, cable management systems, connector weights, and user interface design. Manufacturers that proactively integrate these features into product development are likely to gain a competitive advantage as accessibility standards become embedded in procurement requirements.

Data transparency is another cornerstone of the EVCAN model. Real-time availability, pricing clarity, and performance reporting are essential for both users and regulators. This elevates the role of software platforms and analytics, pushing the industry toward more sophisticated network management solutions. It also creates opportunities for third-party service providers specializing in data aggregation and user experience optimization.

While EVCAN is new and still evolving, its direction is clear: the next phase of EV infrastructure growth will be defined not just by scale, but by usability, reliability, and inclusivity. For industry stakeholders, aligning with EVCAN principles is less about compliance and more about future-proofing investments in a rapidly maturing market.

More information is available here.

Image above courtesy of EVCAN.org.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and Senior Business Development Consultant at Capacity Consulting, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has been co-chair of the ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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