1.5MW High-Power Charger Clears North American Safety Certification
i-charging, an electric vehicle charging equipment provider headquartered in Porto, Portugal, and Atlanta, has announced that its 1.5-megawatt (MW) charger, i-light, designed for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles, has officially received ETL certification for the U.S. and Canada. The certification, issued by international testing agency Intertek, confirms that i-light complies with U.S. safety standards UL 2202 and UL 2231, as well as Canada’s CSA C22.2 No. 346 for DC fast charging, making it the first European heavy-duty charger to achieve dual certification in both countries.
Jeff Cohen, CEO of i-charging USA, stated that the ETL certification marks a pivotal milestone for i-light’s entry into the North American market. Fleet operators urgently require charging infrastructure capable of meeting the demanding operational cycles of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles while also preparing for the adoption of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard. With certification complete, fleet operators and site developers can proceed with installations in accordance with local regulations, accelerating the development of North America’s electric heavy-duty vehicle charging network.
Dual-Interface Design Bridges Current and Future Vehicle Models
The i-light charger features a dual-interface design supporting both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and MCS, enabling it to serve electric trucks already operating on North American roads as well as future large commercial vehicles adopting the MCS standard. The CCS interface delivers a maximum output of 800 kilowatts (kW), with options for 600-amp or 700-amp continuously cooled cables, reaching a peak current of 800 amps. The MCS interface elevates charging power to 1.5 MW, with a maximum current of 1,500 amps, specifically designed for large commercial electric vehicles with battery capacities far exceeding those of passenger cars. The goal is to complete charging within drivers’ legally mandated rest periods to avoid disrupting transportation efficiency.
i-charging emphasizes that i-light’s high-power output and dual-interface design address fleet needs from transitional phases to long-term adoption. As the MCS standard matures, fleets can upgrade to higher-power charging modes without replacing equipment, reducing future transition costs. While the MCS standard is still under development, industry expectations suggest it will become the dominant charging interface for electric heavy-duty vehicles.
User-Friendly Design Enhances Operational Convenience
The i-light charger is equipped with a 37-inch transparent display, allowing drivers to clearly view charging status from their seats, alongside a 10-inch touchscreen for operators. This design aims to streamline the charging process and reduce the operational burden on drivers and site personnel. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Porto, Portugal, and Atlanta, i-charging has overcome regulatory hurdles for its North American fleet market expansion with the ETL certification. However, the company has not disclosed its first U.S. or Canadian customers or provided a specific deployment timeline.
Despite securing North American safety certification, actual deployment of i-light will require approval from local building and electrical regulations, as well as coordination with local power grids and utilities. Industry analysts note that 1.5 MW high-power chargers impose greater demands on the electrical grid, potentially necessitating additional infrastructure upgrades, which could impact deployment speed and costs. Furthermore, the timeline for widespread MCS adoption remains uncertain, leading fleet operators to adopt a cautious approach to investment decisions.
i-charging asserts that the launch of i-light will help accelerate the development of North America’s electric heavy-duty vehicle charging network. However, its ability to establish a foothold in the competitive market will depend on subsequent customer partnerships and real-world deployment. As demand for electric heavy-duty vehicles continues to grow, competition in the high-power charging sector is expected to intensify, and i-light’s dual-interface design and high-power advantages will be closely watched.
