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Phoenix Contact Unveils New Commercial Vehicle Charging Inlet with Integrated Control
Image: (c) phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact has introduced a groundbreaking charging inlet for electric commercial vehicles (EVs) that, for the first time, combines the charging connection with an integrated control component. By merging hardware and software, the company aims to streamline the connection of electric transporters, vans, and heavy-duty trucks to the grid, making the process more efficient, compact, and reliable.
Phoenix Contact has introduced a groundbreaking charging inlet for electric commercial vehicles (EVs) that, for the first time, combines the charging connection with an integrated control component. By merging hardware and software, the company aims to streamline the connection of electric transporters, vans, and heavy-duty trucks to the grid, making the process more efficient, compact, and reliable.
A Compact Charging Unit with Built-in Intelligence
Traditionally, these components were separate: a charging inlet on the vehicle's exterior and a standalone electronic control unit (ECU) to handle communication with the charging station (via PLC/ISO 15118 or CAN bus). Phoenix Contact has now integrated these functions into a single assembly that manages both the physical electrical connection and the intelligent control of charging protocols.
By integrating the controller directly into the inlet, vehicles—especially commercial fleets with complex charging requirements—can interface more flexibly with diverse charging infrastructures. Key benefits include:
Reduced Complexity: A decrease in the number of separate control and communication modules within the vehicle.
Streamlined Assembly: Lower installation costs and a reduced risk of wiring errors.
Enhanced Reliability: Improved robustness and ease of service over the vehicle's lifecycle.
Engineered Specifically for Commercial Vehicles
The new charging inlet is designed for modular scalability. It supports everything from 7 kW AC charging to high-power DC fast charging, allowing it to cover a broad portfolio of commercial vehicle classes.