Enhanced Conductivity EV Charging Cables and Couplers (CABLE)

h. Enhanced Conductivity EV Charging Cables and Couplers (CABLE) This subtopic is soliciting proposals for the application of CABLE materials for new designs for wires and charging couplers for use in the recharging of electric vehicles. As more and more vehicles are electrified, the energy losses in the charging couplers used to recharge these vehicles will continue to grow especially as ever faster charging powers are considered [1]. Improvements in the conductive materials used in the wire and contacts in the SAE J1772 DC charging coupler and cable, that operate at up to 400A and 1000V, are sought to reduce these energy losses. Proposed improved material and coupler designs must consider all requirements for electric vehicle couplers including thermal, electrical, and other safety standards (e.g., UL 2202, UL 2251, ISO 17409, IEC 62196, IEC 60309) while not decreasing cable flexibility or increasing the weight from existing cable designs. The lifetime energy loss reductions from the proposed material and coupler design should be calculated for the entire cable system from the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment to the inlet of the vehicle for the lifetime of the cable. The impact of corrosion, fatigue, thermal degradation, and other impacts to the material lifetime should also be considered. Please refer to Topic 17 (VTO) for other opportunities related to vehicle technologies. Questions Contact: Lee Slezak, Vehicle Technologies Office, Lee.Slezak@ee.doe.gov