Volvo Trucks North America recently collaborated with charging connector provider REMA EV Connections to secure UL certification for its Combined Charging System CCS2 connector as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project.

The project, which also includes the South Coast Air Quality Management District and 13 other organizations, is developing a blueprint for the introduction of battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale. Based in Southern California, LIGHTS is demonstrating a range of strategies to provide flexible and cost-effective charging options to commercial fleet operators.

The CCS2 connector is new to North America, which previously utilized the CCS1 connector, unlike Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, and Asia. The certification indicates that CCS2 connectors now meet North American safety standards, enabling fleets to purchase these fast-charging systems directly from suppliers, and paves the way for utilities and other agencies to expand their list of approved charging options.

“The CCS2 UL-certification will give fleets more charging options and greater flexibility for integrating battery-electric vehicles into their fleets in a very nascent marketspace,” said Keith Brandis, vice president of partnerships and strategic solutions at Volvo Group.

The Combined Charging System combines AC and DC charging into a single port on the vehicle. The CCS1 was designed for single-phase AC charging, while the CCS2 allows for three-phase AC charging.

“This certification will continue to advance vehicle electrification in North America, paving the way for all of the electric vehicle supply equipment providers to expand their charger portfolio to meet emerging EV demands,” said Tim Rose, General Manager of REMA

ABB will be providing the charging hardware for the Volvo LIGHTS project, installing a mix of high voltage-capable public and private electric vehicle chargers that utilize the CCS2 connectors.

“Flexibility is the key to success in a dynamic industry like fleet electrification," said Bob Stojanovic, Director of EV Infrastructure for ABB North America.

Southern California Edison, another partner in the LIGHTS project, officially added the ABB CCS2 chargers to the list of approved charging equipment for its Charge Ready Transport EV charging infrastructure program for medium- and heavy-duty fleets.

The Volvo LIGHTS project was made possible by an award to South Coast AQMD of $44.8 million from CARB as part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative working to reduce emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment in disadvantaged communities.