IEC 61851-23-1:2026

Overview

IEC 61851-23-1:2026 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for DC electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with automated connection devices (ACD). This standard is essential for manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and technical teams involved in the deployment, operation, and maintenance of DC charging systems for electric vehicles (EVs). It focuses on conductive charging systems utilizing ACDs for safe and automated DC energy transfer, supporting rated maximum voltages at side A up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC, and at side B up to 1,500 V DC.

The document details requirements for DC EVSE based on systems B and C, as described in IEC 61851-23:2023, enabling automated conductive charging, particularly valuable for large fleets, commercial vehicles, and public transport applications.

Key Topics

• Automated Connection Device (ACD): The standard defines requirements exclusively for automated connection devices of category 2, supporting fully automated, electro-mechanical connections between the charging station and the vehicle without user intervention.
• System Compatibility: Covers systems B and C architectures from IEC 61851-23:2023, ensuring standardization and interoperability among different EVSE and vehicle manufacturers.
• Voltage Specifications: Applies to equipment handling up to 1,000 V AC / 1,500 V DC at input and up to 1,500 V DC at output, meeting high-capacity charging needs.
• Communication Protocols: Outlines general requirements for control communication for safe and effective DC energy transfer, referencing ISO 15118-20:2022 and IEC 61851-24:2023 for digital communication interfaces between EVSE and vehicles.
• Safety and Protection: Specifies requirements regarding electric shock protection, overload and short-circuit protection, and emergency disconnection, referencing other IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60364 series, IEC 60479).
• Exclusions: The document does not address reverse or bidirectional power transfer, category 1 or 3 automatic couplers, or all safety considerations related to maintenance.

Applications

IEC 61851-23-1:2026 is crucial for designing and deploying advanced DC fast charging infrastructure with automated connection capability, primarily in:

• Commercial EV Fleets: Enables high-power, automated charging for buses, trucks, and logistics vehicles, reducing manual labor and minimising downtime.
• Public Transportation: Supports automated depot charging for electric buses and other heavy-duty vehicles, allowing seamless, hands-free operation.
• High-Throughput Charging Hubs: Facilitates large-scale EV charging networks in depots, logistics centers, and service areas where safe, rapid, and unattended connections are paramount.
• Smart Grid Integration: Provides foundation for interoperable, standardized communication between vehicles and charging infrastructure.
• User Safety: By automating charge-coupling, the risk of user error and potential exposure to high-voltage connections are minimized.

Related Standards

Implementing IEC 61851-23-1:2026 for DC EV supply equipment involves compliance and alignment with several other key standards:

• IEC 61851-23:2023: DC electric vehicle charging system requirements, systems B and C.
• IEC 61851-1:2017: General requirements for conductive EV charging.
• IEC 61851-24:2023: Digital communication protocols for DC charging control.
• IEC 63407: Automated conductive interface for EV charging (under development).
• IEC 61851-21-2:2018: EMC requirements for DC EVSE.
• ISO 15118-20:2022: Digital communication interface between vehicle and charger.
• IEC 60364 series, IEC 60479, IEC 60529: Electrical installation, safety, and protection requirements.
• ISO 5474-3:2024: Functional and safety requirements for power transfer in electrified vehicles.

IEC 61851-23-1:2026 provides a critical reference for achieving safe, reliable, and efficient automated DC EV charging, supporting the evolution of intelligent, large-scale electric vehicle infrastructure worldwide.