The standard for Megawatt Charging Configured Electric Vehicle Couplers

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Standards Development Organisation:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Working Program:
View the UL work program
Designation Number:
ANSI/CAN/UL 2278
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Sub-Type
Joint Canada-U.S. National Standard
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
43.120
29.120.30
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

These requirements cover vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets designated as, and configured as, megawatt charging couplers. These devices are rated up to 1500 Vdc, 3000 A under conditions of continuous use. Vehicle connectors may be actively cooled, such as with liquid cooling, when operating. These devices are intended for use with conductive DC charging equipment for electric vehicles and intended to facilitate conductive connection from the charging equipment to the vehicle. These devices are for use in either indoor or outdoor, non-classified locations in accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70.

 

This standard does not apply to any device that is not intended for use as described in 1.1.

 

This standard does not cover devices used for conductive connection to an electric vehicle and consisting of configurations other than megawatt charging systems configurations. Those devices are covered by the Standard for Plugs, Receptacles and Couplers for Electric Vehicles, UL 2251.

Project need:

There are currently no consensus standards published in the US and Canada for Megawatt Charging Configured Electric Vehicle Couplers. This proposed joint standard for the US and Canada, UL 2278, is needed to cover the new configuration of coupler which operates at a higher voltage and current than any previously certified coupler and presents new and increased potential hazards that must be addressed by requirements that are significantly modified compared to what exists today. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing, and it is crucial for Canada to establish comprehensive guidelines and requirements to ensure public safety, performance, and safe interoperability of electric vehicle couplers and adapters. Currently, there are no specific requirements in Canada pertaining to these vital aspects of electric vehicle infrastructure. The introduction of UL 2278 will bridge this gap and provide a solid foundation for the development of efficient, safe, and standardized electric vehicle charging systems. The Standard is developed with the intention to improve compatibility of products across the industry; improve efficiencies of production and economies of scale. With the publication of ANSI/CAN UL 2278, one document will exist that covers the requirements of Megawatt Charging Configured Electric Vehicle Couplers. This will allow manufacturers the opportunity to test to one standard. Use of the Standard will provide an appropriate forum for participation of producers, distributors, consumers, and AHJs in the further development of safety requirements as the technology continues to develop and expand its market presence.

Note: The information provided above was obtained by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and is provided as part of a centralized, transparent notification system for new standards development. The system allows SCC-accredited Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), and members of the public, to be informed of new work in Canadian standards development, and allows SCC-accredited SDOs to identify and resolve potential duplication of standards and effort.

Individual SDOs are responsible for the content and accuracy of the information presented here. The text is presented in the language in which it was provided to SCC.