The DCBM will simplify the validation process for its own charging stations by manufacturers with UL certification and, for added peace of mind, they will undergo a new review every quarter.
The new meter, capable of monitoring current, voltage, temperature, and energy, has been designed with data security, electromobility, digitalization, and flexibility in mind, and is a UL-recognized component for the US and Canada. The DCBM 400/600 meets UL 61010 and UL 810 standards with its FTRZ certification for EV applications. To achieve this certification, the meter had to pass reinforced insulation and temperature tests for all its components and subassemblies, electrical shock protection tests, work durability tests, equipment temperature limit tests, and heat and fire resistance tests.
In California, where there is a long-term transportation strategy focused on reducing CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, it has been recognized that a large and reliable refueling infrastructure is essential to achieving the goal of promoting the use of low-emission hybrid electric vehicles and zero-emission battery electric vehicles.
To achieve this, EV users need a gas station-like experience, so vehicle charging times must be reduced to just a few minutes. Direct current fast charging (DCFC) makes this possible by converting AC to DC outside the EV. This eliminates the need for an on-board charger (OBC) and allows up to 350kW of power to be delivered directly to the vehicle's battery pack.
However, while this method increases charging power, the conversion stage generates power losses whose cost is not borne by the EV owner. Therefore, it is essential to know exactly how much energy has been delivered to a vehicle after converting AC to DC to ensure accurate and transparent billing.
The DCBM 400/600, ideal for DCFC charging stations from 25kW to 400kW, enables precise cost management and integrates subscribed billing data according to the OCMF (Open Charge Metering Format) protocol. This new meter not only provides accurate billing but also secure communications and easy connectivity with cloud services. Based on a simple plug-and-play concept for easy and quick integration, even when retrofitting existing charging stations, the DCBM 400/600 features a movable metering element compatible with any type of charging station architecture.
Other features of the meter include Ethernet communication capabilities, HTTP/REST compatibility, and synchronization via NTP (Network Time Protocol), which also simplifies integration into numerous types of electrical and electronic vehicle (EEV) systems. The bidirectional energy meter is compatible with V2G (vehicle-to-grid) and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) standards. Finally, the robust design of the DCBM 400/600 offers accuracy at temperatures from -40°C to +85°C, and its housing has an IP20 rating.
Claude Champion, Managing Director of LEM USA Inc., emphasized: “The EV markets in the US and Canada are experiencing sustained growth, but this growth could be hampered by insufficient access to DC fast charging stations. LEM understands precisely the needs of the sector and has worked closely with EV manufacturers and installers in developing solutions such as the DCBM 400/600. We are ready to help make a zero-carbon future a reality in North America.”
