Verra has released updated versions (v1.1) of Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology VM0038 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems and VCS module VMD0049 Activity Method for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems. These constitute minor revisions to VM0038 Methodology for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems, v1.0 and VMD0049 Activity Method for Determining Additionality of Electric Vehicle Charging Systems, 1.0.

VM0038 applies to projects that install electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, including their associated infrastructure. The methodology quantifies emission reductions resulting from the displacement of emissions from conventional fossil fuel vehicles used for passenger and freight transportation. VM0038 is a globally applicable methodology that uses a standardized method (i.e., with predefined, objective criteria) and a project method to determine additionality. The positive list is found in VMD0049, its associated module.

The revision includes the following:

  • Updates to applicability conditions, taking into account EV market share in a given country
  • Updates to the positive list (used for determining additionality)
  • The adoption of VCS tools VT0008 (used to demonstrate additionality for those project activities not meeting the requirements in the positive list) and VT0011 (used to calculate the emission factor of the electricity consumed by the project chargers) to strengthen integrity
  • Update to the latest VCS methodology template
  • The incorporation of a Corrections and Clarifications document (PDF) that had been published to correct an equation
  • Clarifications and simplifications to the quantification approach
  • General editorial improvements and clarifications

This revision was initially submitted by the Climate Neutral Business Network. The development has since transitioned to a Verra-led process.

Implications for VCS Projects

  • VM0038, v1.0 will be inactivated on September 1, 2027.
  • VMD0049, v1.0 will be inactivated on March 1, 2027.
  • Projects using VM0038, v1.0 can submit the following types of requests until August 31, 2027. Projects using VMD0049, v1.0 can submit these requests until February 28, 2027:
    • Registration requests
    • Crediting period renewal requests
    • Verification approval requests where the verification includes a methodology change through a project description deviation
    • Requantification requests
  • Projects that meet the submission deadlines for VM0038, v1.0 above may continue to apply VM0038, v1.0 for the remainder of their crediting period. These projects must update to an active version of VM0038 at their next crediting period renewal.
  • Grouped projects that meet the submission deadlines above may continue to apply the positive list in VMD0049, v1.0 to add new project activity instances for the remainder of their crediting period. These projects must update to an active version of VMD0049 at their next crediting period renewal.
  • Registered projects that are currently applying VMD0049, v1.0 and that plan to renew their crediting period under VMD0049, v1.1 may add new instances using a project method if no longer in the positive list. Instances that have already been included in registered grouped projects using VMD0049, v1.0 are eligible to continue crediting.
  • Further details for crediting period renewal and grouped projects using the positive list are provided in VM0038, v1.1.
  • Registered projects using VM0038, v1.0 may update to VM0038, v1.1 during their crediting period using one of the following:

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