On 7 September 2023 the new Chinese national standard for new energy vehicle charging connectors, GB/T 20234.1-2023, Conductive charging connection devices for electric vehicles - Part 1: General requirements, was officially published and took effect. Compared with GB/T 20234.1-2015, the 2023 edition imposes stricter requirements on charging connectors in terms of safety, durability and reliability.

Common charging connector test standards

GB/T 20234.1 Conductive charging connection devices for electric vehicles - Part 1: General requirements

GB/T 20234.2 Conductive charging connection devices for electric vehicles - Part 2: AC charging interfaces

GB/T 20234.3 Conductive charging connection devices for electric vehicles - Part 3: DC charging interfaces

GB/T 18487.1 Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements

IEC 62196-1 Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets - Conductive charging of electric vehicles - Part 1: General requirements

IEC 61851-1 Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements

UL 2251 Plugs, receptacles and couplers for electric vehicles

NTEK charging connector test items

For GB/T 20234.1-2023, IEC 62196-1:2022 and other standards, NTEK has introduced a full set of charging connector test equipment that can meet the testing and certification requirements for AC charging connectors. The core equipment includes a vehicle crush test machine, a charging cable bending test machine, charging connector mechanical strength test equipment, a charging connector mating life test machine, an inductive and resistive load bank, and a high-power power supply system.

General requirements

Appearance and structural requirements

Dimensions and types of charging interfaces

Requirements for screws, current-carrying parts and connections

Requirements for terminals and terminations

Protection against electric shock

Electrical performance

Earthing provisions

Breaking capacity

Surface temperature

Temperature monitoring requirements

Insulation resistance and dielectric strength

Durability tests

Locking device durability test

Normal operation durability test (service life)

Contact durability test

Switching element durability test

Environmental reliability

High and low temperature resistance

Alternating damp heat

Thermal shock

IP protection rating

Mechanical reliability

Vehicle crush test

Connection strength of the charging cable (pull and torsion test)

Mechanical strength (pendulum impact, bending, etc.)

Vibration and shock testing

Off-axis operation test

Material tests

Ageing resistance of rubber and thermoplastic materials

Corrosion and rust resistance of the enclosure

Heat, flame and tracking resistance tests

Restricted substance testing (ELV, RoHS, SOC, etc.)