Phoenix Contact unveils charging inlet for commercial vehicles with integrated control system
Phoenix Contact has introduced a new vehicle-side charging system that, thanks to its high level of integration, “saves space, replaces external control devices, and reduces cabling and sources of error,” as the company, headquartered in Blomberg, Lippe, explains. Phoenix Contact describes the product as the “world’s first CCS vehicle charging inlet with integrated charging control.” The component is particularly suited for battery-electric buses, electric trucks, and heavy-duty commercial and off-road vehicles. “Samples can are already available on request, series availability will follow from Q3 2026,” Phoenix Contact states on its website.
Vehicle manufacturers can benefit from the ‘CHARX connect advanced’ by minimising space requirements and reducing development efforts. The charging inlet is also available as an option without the integrated control system. Additional features include a protective cover, an emergency stop button for charging, illumination of the plug area, and an LED status indicator.
The charging inlet will be available in CCS Type 1 and CCS Type 2 standards for both AC and DC charging. Additionally, the power outlet direction is variable (“straight back, 90° left, or 90° right”), and the cables can be ordered in various lengths. The DC rated voltage is specified as 1,000 volts. For DC charging currents, Phoenix Contact offers options of 200 A with a 70 mm² conductor cross-section, 250 A with 95 mm², or 400 A with 120 mm². In boost mode, currents of up to 800 A are possible for short durations.
If the charging inlet is selected with the integrated control system, this control unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the inlet. “This eliminates the need for external control devices and additional interfaces. The system architecture is simplified and the installation space is reduced. All charging communication takes place via PLC directly via the charging inlet,” the company explains. As everything is pre-configured and aligned, vehicle manufacturers no longer need to concern themselves with implementing communication protocols. Thus, the combination of control system and inlet in a single component is designed to simplify integration into existing vehicle architectures. Maintenance is also straightforward: “Because the cable connectors can be disconnected from the charging inlet easily, the charging inlet can be replaced without additional tools whenever servicing is required,” the company states.
0 Comments