ChargeX Consortium Recommends Actions to Improve EV Charging Adapter Safety
Washington DC, – Sept. 18, 2024
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is dedicated to improving the public electric vehicle (EV) charging experience for everyone. As more vehicles and EV chargers become available with the J3400 connector type, adapters will play a role in providing access to more EV fast chargers for more drivers. Reliable fast charging will help EV drivers get back on the road longer and get to their destinations faster.
In response to the need for safe and effective adapters, the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX Consortium) released the, “Recommended Actions to Improve Adapter Safety” report. The report shares findings from a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) conducted by the ChargeX Consortium that helps identify gaps in adapters’ performance and adherence to common safety requirements.
“All EV drivers should benefit from the expansion of DC fast charging options along America’s highways and roadways,” said Gabe Klein, executive director at the Joint Office. “This new work from the ChargeX Consortium is a significant step forward in the work to build a seamless charging experience whether a driver uses a J3400 connector or CCS connector with an adapter.”
Similar to travel adapters used for household devices when traveling between countries with different power outlets, EV adapters address compatibility issues due to different charging connector designs. The ChargeX Consortium issued the report to enhance the reliability and safety of EV adapters as well as to reduce costs associated with failures and improve customer satisfaction. The report examines:
- Cases of failure for EV adapters
- Frequency and severity of failures
- Recommendations for updated standards.
About the ChargeX Consortium
The ChargeX Consortium, funded by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), is a collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EV charging industry experts, consumer advocates, and key stakeholders. Together, these industry leaders aim to significantly improve the customer experience with EV charging infrastructure across the United States.
EVinfo.net is a proud member of the ChargeX Consortium.
