UL 2252 EV Coupler Sell Sheet
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When electric vehicles (EVs) were first brought to market, a standard interface for coupling their onboard charging equipment to charging stations was unavailable. Consequently, manufacturers instituted diverse options for connecting the EVs and chargers they produced. These dissimilar designs can restrict drivers to using a limited number of compatible public charging stations and a dedicated home-based charger.
As EV adoption continues to grow, the value of the U.S. vehicle charging infrastructure market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 30.3% from $6.41 billion (USD) in 2025 to $24.07 billion (USD) by 2030. However, coupler disparities are limiting where and when drivers can recharge their vehicles, hindering wider EV adoption and use. Standardized adaptive connectors can enable vehicles to interface with chargers that use dissimilar connectors. ANSI/CAN/UL 2252, the Standard for Adapters for Use with Electric Vehicle Couplers, specifies requirements for the design, performance and testing of standardized adaptive couplers. Manufacturers can enhance customer confidence with compliance testing services from UL Solutions, a world-renowned partner for product safety testing.
What is a coupler adapter?
A coupler adapter is a single device for interfacing between a dissimilar charger and vehicle connectors. It connects power conductors for battery charging. It also connects communication circuits that enable a vehicle and control devices in a charging station to interact. Adapters thus enable power to flow from charging stations that use differing connectors to an EV’s storage battery. This can enhance EV adoption and use by providing drivers with access to a wider selection of recharging locations in the areas where they travel.
Why is an EV adapter standard needed?
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced funding to install EV charging stations along U.S. interstate highways and chose connectors that conform to the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The NACS connector is one of several types that enable fast EV charging. Others used in the U.S. include those conforming to the Combined Charging System and CHAdeMO standards.
Following the DOT announcement, multiple automotive manufacturers selected NACS connectors for their vehicles. Because many of the EVs already in service have been fitted with CCS1 connectors and SAE J1772 Type 1 connectors, an EV adapter standard is needed to enable these vehicles to safely recharge using NACS-equipped chargers. The standard is also needed to confirm EV charger flexibility for new EVs.
Why ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 certification?
ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 is the Standard for evaluating EV coupler adapters for safety, performance and interoperability. By evaluating products to this Standard, manufacturers may be able to obtain a UL Certification (Listing) for an EV coupler adapter. With ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 certification, a manufacturer demonstrates compliance through the highly recognizable UL Mark.
Why certify through UL Solutions?
UL Solutions is a globally recognized testing and certification partner committed to enhancing safety. Leveraging our historical legacy, extensive expertise and impartiality, we stand as a beacon of trust, helping manufacturers achieve their compliance goals.
Compliance expertise
Our safety science experts possess in-depth knowledge of the ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 technical requirements. At our facilities in Northbrook, Illinois, and Fremont, California, we can test EV charging infrastructure against standards for safety and interoperability for the U.S. and global markets. Our global footprint, expanded laboratories and broad safety perspective help EV charging stakeholders deliver what matters to the market: safety, performance, security, sustainability and confidence.
Unparalleled compliance expertise
Our experts possess in-depth knowledge of the ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 technical requirements. Our team can guide manufacturers through the certification process for innovative technologies and products. By partnering with us, a manufacturer can streamline commercialization of electric vehicle supply equipment using ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 protocols to demonstrate proper evaluation of safety, function and compliance with industry standards.
Accreditation and experience
As a leader in the testing, inspection and certification sector, we have advanced the application of the UL Mark to billions of products globally. Our experts sit on more than 1,300 standards panels and technical committees, including the National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code Committee (U.S.). With our deep technical expertise and extensive market knowledge, we can help customers go to market with confidence that their products are compliant with applicable regulations.
ANSI/CAN/UL 2252 testing and certification services include:
- Evaluation of an adapter’s design and construction
- Testing of the flammability and electrical properties of the materials used in adapter fabrication
- Performance testing for temperature, endurance, vehicle drive over, vibration and more
- Electrical testing for insulation resistance, short circuit and grounding
- Evaluation of marking and instructions
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