Delphi Teams to Develop Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles

"The portable, user-friendly UL-listed Charge Coupler Cordset is expected to enable safe electric vehicle battery charging. One end mates the charge port coupler to a vehicle-side receptacle and the other plugs into any standard 15 Amp wall outlet," said Randy Sumner, director, global hybrid vehicle development, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture. "We expect this system to provide one of the safest, most innovative charging solutions to the rapidly growing EV market, allowing consumers to plug into existing electrical infrastructure."

Sumner said the portable Charge Coupler Cordset will be targeted to all EV and PHEV automakers, giving them the option to provide a charging system in the trunk of every plug-in vehicle on the road. Delphi’s proficiency in engineering and manufacturing electrical/electronic distribution systems and connectors in high volume for the automotive industry, coupled with ClipperCreek’s expertise in UL-listed public and private charging systems, will result in this significant product offering.

"Consumers are looking for electric vehicles to reduce their dependency on petroleum and to lower greenhouse gas emissions for a greener future," Sumner said. "In order for them to become reality, they must be accessible and practical for the average consumer. We believe these charging systems will go a long way toward making that happen."

In the research and development phase of its portable Charge Coupler Cordset, Delphi held focus groups to better understand consumer preferences for the shape and size of the charger handle and its overall design in terms of material, shape, and ergonomic features. The focus groups were comprised of current hybrid vehicle owners interested in purchasing an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle. Participants were shown various Delphi interconnect prototypes and design renderings and provided feedback on the styling and functionality they preferred and found to be most comfortable and convenient.

Delphi began working on the foundation of modern hybrid technology more than 20 years ago. A growing number of hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers have chosen to work with Delphi on their environmentally friendly vehicles.

Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. 

ClipperCreek, Inc. brings product leadership to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure marketplace with reliable, safe and flexible, software-driven, UL-listed products that have been proven through 12 years of field experience. ClipperCreek’s innovative technologies set the standard for electric vehicle charge stations and provide the safest, most innovative and affordable Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in the industry.

www.delphi.com