Video: Bidirectional EV charging equipment certified

Global applied safety science firm UL Solutions has issued its first certification to UL 9741 and UL 1741 SA for an AI-driven vehicle-to-grid (V2G) compliant EV charger to Fermata Energy.

UL Solutions says the milestone helps build confidence in V2G EV technology – demonstrating compliance with safety and performance UL Standards and applicable safety and environmental regulations.

“With Fermata Energy achieving the first UL 9741 and UL 1741-SA certification of a vehicle-to-grid compliant bidirectional EV charger, UL Solutions is helping to build trust in this technology among fleet managers, consumers and other stakeholders,” says UL Solutions energy and industrial automation general manager Milan Dotlich.

“We continue to monitor technical developments and regulatory changes to help enable innovation and speed to market as the future of mobility evolves.”

The FE-20 bidirectional EV charger, with V2G software platform, was designed for Fermata Energy by Heliox, a provider of fast-charging solutions.

“UL Solutions’ safety science expertise in EV charging and the power grid was invaluable in helping us demonstrate for the first time that V2G bidirectional charging can be achieved while meeting the safety requirements of UL Standards,” says Fermata Energy chief executive Tony Posawatz.

“V2X bidirectional charging isn’t just a means to electrify—it’s a pathway to earning revenue,” he explains.

“The FE-20, combined with our state-of-the-art AI software platform, is pivotal in this convergence of mobility and electrification.”

This achievement builds on UL Solutions’ first certification to UL 9741 for Fermata Energy’s FE-15 charging system in 2020, used throughout North America.

The UL 9741 Standard covers bidirectional EV charging equipment that charges EVs from an electric power system (EPS) and also includes functionality to export power from the EV to an EPS.

UL Solutions is involved in more than 100 countries.

“At Heliox, we’re excited to have partnered with Fermata Energy on the development of the FE-20 bidirectional charger,” says Heliox chief executive Michael Colijn.

“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to driving the evolution of fast-charging systems and V2X technology.

“The FE-20, born from this partnership, represents a significant step forward, with electric vehicles set to play a central role in reshaping the energy landscape.”

Fermata Energy and Heliox have a vision to normalise V2G technology, drive savings for fleet owners, and spearhead a greener energy future.