Documents Outline Physical, Electrical and Performance Requirements for Conductive Power Transfer for Transit Vehicles

WARRENDALE, Pa. (May 11, 2023) – SAE International, the world's leading authority in mobility standards development, has released a series of documents that provide recommended standards on the physical, electrical, functional, testing, and performance requirements for conductive power transfer primarily for transit vehicles using a conductive automatic charging connection capable of transferring direct current (DC) power. On-route conductive solutions are attractive to heavy-duty applications where down-time resulting from charge operations need to be minimized and the operator prefers to make the connection without leaving the driver's seat. The existing SAE charging standards do not address on-route conductive charging solutions that serve to promote all day operation of high-capacity electric vehicles.

“The SAE Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conductive Charging Task Force developed these Recommended Practices (RPs) to ensure each connection type is safe and interoperable among manufacturers,” said Mark Kosowski, Technical Executive at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and SAE document sponsor. “When an infrastructure is selected, then all vehicles independent of the manufacturer will be able to use the system safely.”

The Recommended Practice Documents include:
J-3105 - Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices
Covers the general physical, electrical, functional, testing, and performance requirements for conductive power transfer, primarily for vehicles using a conductive ACD connection capable of transferring DC power. It defines conductive power transfer methods, including infrastructure electrical contact interface, vehicle connection interface, electrical characteristics of the DC supply, and communication system.

• J-3105/1 Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices Infrastructure-Mounted Pantograph (Cross-Rail) Connection
  Covers the connection interface relevant requirements for an electric vehicle power transfer system using a conductive ACD based on a cross-rail design. To allow interoperability for on-road vehicles (in particular, buses and coaches).

• J-3105/2 Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices Vehicle-Mounted Pantograph (Bus-Up)
  Covers the connection interface relevant requirements for an electric vehicle power transfer system using a conductive automated charging device based on a conventional rail vehicle pantograph design.

Additional related document not updated with this release includes:

• J-31053/3 - Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices Enclosed Pin and Socket Connection
  Covers the main safety and interoperability relevant requirements for an electric vehicle power transfer system using a conductive automated charging device based on an enclosed pin and socket design.

For more information on joining SAE’s electrification standards efforts, contact Dante Rahdar, Ground Vehicle Committee Manager at dante.rahdar@sae.org.

About SAE International
SAE International is a global organization committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, we connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including award-winning programs like A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™. More at http://www.sae.org.

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SAE Media Contact:
Jeff Laskowski
SAE International
248.925.4770
pr@sae.org