Fermata Energy’s FE-20 Bidirectional EV Charger and V2G Software Platform Achieves UL 9741 and UL 1741 SA Certifications

Fermata Energy, a trailblazer in the realm of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, has recently announced the full certification of its FE-20 bidirectional charging system to UL 9741 and UL 1741-SA standards, which respectively address Bidirectional EV Charging System Equipment and Inverters, Converters, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources, Supplement SA.

This accomplishment underscores Fermata Energy’s unwavering commitment to safety and performance. The certification recognizes the successful operation of the company’s FE-15 chargers across the U.S., and aligns with the increasing focus of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with bidirectional charging capability, indicating a significant progression in the industry.

The FE-20 is developed exclusively for Fermata Energy by Heliox, a leading provider of EV fast-charging equipment. This 20 kW bidirectional DC charger charges and discharges an EV’s batteries with Fermata Energy’s proprietary AI-based software platform that optimally balances an EV owner’s transportation needs with revenue opportunities when the vehicle is parked.

Tailored for commercial customers, the FE-20 is engineered with increased power, improved cost-effectiveness, and enhanced features compared to its FE-15 predecessor. EV and fleet owners can capitalize on these chargers as revenue assets by participating in utility programs, allowing them to sell stored energy from EVs back into the grid or to offset peak demand costs.

“Earning UL certification exemplifies our dedication to excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance. We’re not only innovating; we’re ensuring every solution we offer stands up to the highest standards. Companies seek solutions that aren’t just feasible but also financially sound. V2X bidirectional charging isn’t just a means to electrify—it’s a pathway to earning revenue. The FE-20, combined with our state-of-the-art AI software platform, is pivotal in this convergence of mobility and electrification,” said Tony Posawatz, CEO of Fermata Energy.

In 2020, Fermata Energy distinguished itself as an innovator paving the way for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. The company became the first in North America to secure UL 9741 certification from UL for its FE-15 charging system, underscoring Fermata Energy’s commitment to safety, performance, and industry leadership. This achievement has now been further bolstered by the certification of the FE-20 charging system.

This marks a natural progression for Fermata Energy as they continue to lead in the V2G technology space. The FE-20 certification stands as a milestone reflecting the intricate intersection of mobility and electrification in the North American market, and reinforces Fermata Energy’s dedication to transforming the way we perceive and utilize electric vehicles.

“With Fermata Energy achieving the first UL 9741 and UL 1741-SA certification of a Vehicle-to-Grid compliant bidirectional EV charger, UL Solutions is helping to build trust in this technology among fleet managers, consumers and other stakeholders,” said Milan Dotlich, vice president and general manager of Energy and Industrial Automation at UL Solutions. “We continue to monitor technical developments and regulatory changes to help enable innovation and speed to market as the future of mobility evolves.”

Michael Colijn, CEO of Heliox, shares, “At Heliox, we’re excited to have partnered with Fermata Energy on the development of the FE-20 bidirectional charger. This collaborationdemonstrates our commitment to driving the evolution of fast-charging systems and V2X technology. The FE-20, born from this partnership, represents a significant step forward, with electric vehicles set to play a central role in reshaping the energy landscape. We celebrate being the first companies to achieve certification to the UL 9741 and UL 1741-SA Standards for a fully bidirectional V2G-compliant EV charger. This achievement showcases our teams’ dedication and innovation, and we extend our gratitude to Fermata Energy for placing their trust in us. Together, we’ve transformed a vision into reality.”

Fermata Energy and Heliox, given their groundbreaking innovation in V2G technology, are set to maintain their progressive momentum. Their vision extends beyond the current state of affairs, aiming to make V2G technology a mainstream phenomenon. This drive is not only expected to help fleet owners realize significant savings but also instigate a shift towards a greener energy future. By integrating electric vehicles into the larger energy ecosystem, they are redefining the traditional roles of these vehicles, transforming them from mere transportation means to pivotal players in energy storage and distribution.

Their dedication to this cause is reinforced by their continuous strides in safety and performance, as evidenced by their recent UL 9741 certifications. As Fermata Energy and Heliox move forward, they continue to underscore their role as industry leaders, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the intersection of mobility and electrification. Fermata was recently a partner in the nation’s first low-income, multi-family V2G pilot.