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Phoenix Contact Launches 500 kW NACS and CCS Cables
Expanded DC fast charging portfolio for North America supports up to 500 kW Boost Mode with SAE- and UL-compliant safety design.
www.phoenixcontact.com
Manufacturers of EV charging infrastructure and high-power charging (HPC) stations in North America are adapting to evolving DC standards and rising power requirements. Phoenix Contact has expanded its DC fast charging portfolio with new NACS and CCS type 1 charging cables designed for up to 500 kW charging power.
The products are tailored for the U.S., Canada and Mexico markets and comply with relevant SAE and UL standards, including SAE J3400, SAE J1772 and UL 2251.
Supporting the transition to SAE J3400 (NACS)
As the North American Charging Standard (SAE J3400) gains market adoption, charging infrastructure suppliers must ensure compatibility while maintaining existing CCS type 1 deployments. Phoenix Contact introduces NACS DC charging cables within its CHARX connect professional product family, supporting:
- Up to 500 kW charging power in Boost Mode
- 375 kW continuous charging power
The NACS connectors are designed with a separate ergonomic handle that enables secure handling while thermally decoupling the grip from heated contact surfaces during high-current operation.
To enhance user safety, the connectors meet IPXXB protection requirements in accordance with UL 2251. Protruding, fully molded plastic caps provide integrated touch protection and are permanently anchored to prevent accidental removal. This reduces the risk of exposure to live contacts and limits service-related faults.
CCS type 1 for high-current, liquid-free operation
In parallel, Phoenix Contact is introducing CCS type 1 charging cables in two variants:
To enhance user safety, the connectors meet IPXXB protection requirements in accordance with UL 2251. Protruding, fully molded plastic caps provide integrated touch protection and are permanently anchored to prevent accidental removal. This reduces the risk of exposure to live contacts and limits service-related faults.
CCS type 1 for high-current, liquid-free operation
In parallel, Phoenix Contact is introducing CCS type 1 charging cables in two variants:
- CHARX connect professional (375 A)
- CHARX connect standard (200 A)
Both series are certified according to SAE J1772 and UL 2251 and support charging powers of up to 500 kW in Boost Mode. Increased conductor cross-sections allow continuous currents of 200 A or 375 A without liquid cooling, simplifying station design.
A two-chamber sealing system separates DC+ and DC– conductors, preventing moisture ingress into safety-critical areas. This improves long-term electrical reliability under outdoor operating conditions.
The 375 A versions integrate four-wire measurement technology, enabling calibration-law-compliant energy metering for billing applications.
Maintenance and lifecycle optimization
All charging cables incorporate replaceable mating faces to reduce servicing times and operational downtime. Integrated temperature monitoring supports controlled high-power charging while protecting components from thermal overload.
The CCS type 1 and NACS cable structures are identical at the platform level, facilitating engineering standardization for vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. This common architecture simplifies integration across different connector standards.
Preparing for higher current classes
To address future high-current applications, Phoenix Contact is developing liquid-cooled NACS charging cables rated above 600 A, with availability planned from the end of 2026. Such solutions will support next-generation DC fast charging stations requiring higher continuous current levels.
By expanding its NACS and CCS type 1 portfolio to 500 kW Boost Mode while maintaining compliance with SAE and UL standards, Phoenix Contact positions its charging cable solutions to support the evolving North American DC fast charging ecosystem and the continued growth of high-power EV charging infrastructure.
www.phoenixcontact.com
A two-chamber sealing system separates DC+ and DC– conductors, preventing moisture ingress into safety-critical areas. This improves long-term electrical reliability under outdoor operating conditions.
The 375 A versions integrate four-wire measurement technology, enabling calibration-law-compliant energy metering for billing applications.
Maintenance and lifecycle optimization
All charging cables incorporate replaceable mating faces to reduce servicing times and operational downtime. Integrated temperature monitoring supports controlled high-power charging while protecting components from thermal overload.
The CCS type 1 and NACS cable structures are identical at the platform level, facilitating engineering standardization for vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. This common architecture simplifies integration across different connector standards.
Preparing for higher current classes
To address future high-current applications, Phoenix Contact is developing liquid-cooled NACS charging cables rated above 600 A, with availability planned from the end of 2026. Such solutions will support next-generation DC fast charging stations requiring higher continuous current levels.
By expanding its NACS and CCS type 1 portfolio to 500 kW Boost Mode while maintaining compliance with SAE and UL standards, Phoenix Contact positions its charging cable solutions to support the evolving North American DC fast charging ecosystem and the continued growth of high-power EV charging infrastructure.
www.phoenixcontact.com
