Question
Have any electric vehicle (EV) level 3 DC fast chargers been UL certified (Listed)?
Answer
Yes. A few manufacturers have had their electric vehicle DC fast chargers UL certified. Electric vehicle DC fast chargers can fully charge an electric vehicle battery in as short as 15 to 30 minutes. These fast chargers will most likely be installed at electric vehicle charging locations in public/commercial settings, such as traditional gas or service stations. UL certifies these types of chargers under the product category Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (FFTG) located on page 137 in the 2011 UL White Book. Products certified under this category are evaluated for compliance with UL 2202, the Standard for Safety for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has recently redefined the levels designation for electric vehicle charging equipment, and the electric vehicle industry terminology is changing based on these new definitions. What was previously considered level 1, 2 or 3, is now defined as AC Level 1, AC Level 2, AC Level 3, DC Level 1, DC Level 2, and DC Level 3. In accordance with the SAE definitions, AC Level 3 and DC Level 3 are currently not in use and the limits for these levels are under development. What once was known as the level 3 DC quick charger is now known as a DC Level 2 charger.
The 120V AC charging stations, AC Level 1, that take the longest duration to charge an electric vehicle and the 208 to 240 VAC charging stations, AC Level 2, that have a mid-range charging duration can be either cord-connected or hard-wired and are certified under the product category Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (FFWA), located on page 138 of the 2011 UL White Book. Products certified under this category are evaluated for compliance with UL Subject 2594, the Outline of Investigation for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.
The guide information for FFTG or FFWA and the certifications (Listings) for these categories can be viewed online at UL’s Online Certification Directory located at www.ul.com/database . Please enter FFTG or FFWA at the category code search field to access the guide information.
