Delphi Electric Vehicle Charge Coupler With Cable and Charge Inlet Achieve UL Recognition

Delphi Automotive has successfully completed evaluation of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Coupler with Cable and Charge Inlet under the Component Recognition Program of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). As a result, the UL Recognized components are now available for use in charging stations and vehicle-side charging applications in the U.S. and Canada.

Delphi’s Charge Coupler with Cable is suitable for stationary charging applications, and the Delphi Charge Inlet is a vehicle-side interface that mates to a charging connector to accommodate Level 1 and Level 2 charging of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). Delphi also began selling the previously evaluated UL listed Portable Electric Vehicle Charger earlier this year.

UL is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing standards for safety for over a century. Achieving UL Recognition means Delphi’s Charge Coupler with Cable can now be incorporated into any charging station in the U.S. and Canada, and Delphi’s Charge Inlet can be engineered into electric vehicles in these regions.

According to Randy Sumner, director, hybrid and electric vehicle development, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture, the component testing for UL Recognition is rigorous.

“Achieving UL Recognition is a significant step in the development of our EV charging components and an important endorsement of the safety of our products,” Sumner said. “Our components also have unique and consumer-driven styling and performance features that will help set charging stations and electric vehicles apart from the competition.”

In the research and development phase of its Electric Vehicle Charge Coupler with Cable, Delphi held focus groups to better understand consumer preferences for the shape and size of the charger handle and its overall design in terms of material, shape, and ergonomic features. The focus groups were comprised of current hybrid vehicle owners interested in purchasing an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle. Participants were shown various Delphi interconnect prototypes and design renderings and provided feedback on the styling and functionality they preferred and found to be most comfortable and convenient.

“Consumers are looking to hybrid and electric vehicles as a means to increase fuel economy and lower greenhouse gas emissions for a greener future,” Sumner said. “In order for them to become reality, they must be accessible and practical for the average consumer. We believe these charging systems will go a long way toward helping make EV charging safe and easy-to-use for everyone.”

About Delphi
Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.