Expansion of KW1C Series CHAdeMO-Compliant EV Charging and Discharging Connectors

October 13, 2022

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (JAE) has added new EV charging and discharging connector which is both UL recognized and JCS Standard-compliant to the CHAdeMO (*1) compliant KW1C Series, for the North American and Japanese markets.

JAE has commercialized the compact and lightweight KW1C Series cable harnessed connectors, that enable EV fast charging with 150A maximum output. In addition to the KW1C Series CE-certified product (*2), currently being sold for the European market, the new KW1C UL recognized and JCS standard-compliant product (*3) was developed for the North American and Japanese markets to expand the lineup.

With sales of electric vehicles (EVs) rising, there is an increasing demand for the installation of more fast chargers, specifically those that can be installed in tight spaces. With the popularization of EVs and the spread of EV charging infrastructure, there is also a need to enhance the safety of the product to allow safe usage by the general public. In response to these needs, JAE developed the KW1C Series, compact, lightweight fast charging-compatible connectors, and has enhanced them to comply with the safety standards in various regions.

The KW1C UL recognized and JCS Standard-compliant product is compliant with the Japanese Cable Makers' Association Standard (JCS) as well as passing the stringent waterproof tests required for UL recognition, a product safety standard that is widely trusted in North America. By acquiring UL recognition, the KW1C will be optimal for the North American market, where EV fast charger installations are planned to increase. The Japanese market, where there is a demand expected for the replacement of EV fast chargers, will benefit from the KW1C as well.

This product is also ideal for V2X (*4) applications, a system where power can be sent to and received from the power grid and homes. For V2H applications where long overnight charge times are acceptable, slower chargers have worked well. However, for some V2X applications, such as parcel delivery vehicles, which have larger batteries that must be charged quickly, this new KW1C product’s larger current output capability is better suited.

JAE started developing the KW Series EV connectors in 2010, the dawn of EV popularization, and continues to manufacture connector products that are compliant with the CHAdeMO standard. JAE markets EV charging connectors that combine durability and high-quality performance” under the Powerlance™ brand, which aims for safety and ease-of-use, as well as high environmental durability.
JAE will continue to meet a wide variety of customer needs by expanding the lineup of products in the KW Series EV charging and discharging connectors.

Features

• UL recognized
• JCS Standard compatible
• CHAdeMO compliant
• Compliant with CHAdeMO EV Charging and Discharging System Guidelines
• Highly reliable design using environment-withstanding materials
• Compact and light weight design while maintaining high durability, yet a highly durable design product
• Compatible with high-output charge/discharge systems

Applicable Devices and Markets

• EV Fast charger (CHAdeMO protocol)
• V2X (CHAdeMO protocol)

General Specifications

*1: CHAdeMO is a brand name of the fast charger protocol proposed as a standard specification by the CHAdeMO Association.
*2: CE certification indicates that the product complies with mandatory safety and other requirement as stipulated by the EU Directives and regulations.
*3: The JCS Standard is a product and materials standard for electrical wires. It is widely used in Japan as a standard for testing, inspection and technical calculations.
*4: V2X (Vehicle to X) is a generic term for V2G (Vehicle to Grid), V2H (Vehicle to Home), V2L (Vehicle to Load). It is a system that sends and receives power between the vehicle and power grid, homes, or general equipment (load).

Information and details given here are as of the date of publication. Please note that the details may be changed.