Delphi Teams With ClipperCreek to Develop Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles

Delphi Corp.and ClipperCreek, Inc., a developer of electric vehicle charge stations and technology, have agreed to work together to develop, manufacture and sell charging systems for all-electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

The SAE J1772-compliant, UL-listed systems are to include charge port coupler, industry-leading electrical safety systems, cordset and vehicle-side receptacle.

“The portable, user-friendly UL-listed Charge Coupler Cordset is expected to enable safe electric vehicle battery charging. One end mates the charge port coupler to a vehicle-side receptacle and the other plugs into any standard 15 amp wall outlet,” said Randy Sumner, director, global hybrid vehicle development, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture. “We expect this system to provide one of the safest, most innovative charging solutions to the rapidly growing EV market, allowing consumers to plug into existing electrical infrastructure.”

Sumner said the portable Charge Coupler Cordset will be targeted to all EV and PHEV automakers, giving them the option to provide a charging system in the trunk of every plug-in vehicle on the road. Delphi’s proficiency in engineering and manufacturing electrical/electronic distribution systems and connectors in high volume for the automotive industry, coupled with ClipperCreek’s expertise in UL-listed public and private charging systems, will result in this significant product offering.

“Consumers are looking for electric vehicles to reduce their dependency on petroleum and to lower greenhouse gas emissions for a greener future,” Sumner said. “In order for them to become reality, they must be accessible and practical for the average consumer. We believe these charging systems will go a long way toward making that happen.” 

In the research and development phase of its portable Charge Coupler Cordset, Delphi held focus groups to better understand consumer preferences for the shape and size of the charger handle and its overall design in terms of material, shape, and ergonomic features. The focus groups were comprised of current hybrid vehicle owners interested in purchasing an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle. Participants were shown various Delphi interconnect prototypes and design renderings and provided feedback on the styling and functionality they preferred and found to be most comfortable and convenient.

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