Commercial EV builder Xos has announced V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) production beginning in April 2026 on a major electric school bus platform in North America, and plans to add bidirectional capability to its entire product portfolio, including step vans, powertrains and energy storage solutions.
Xos will begin production this April with bidirectional charging on a school bus platform serving tens of thousands of routes across the US. Fleet vehicles entering production at this stage will be able to discharge stored energy back to the grid during peak demand events, opening a direct revenue stream for school districts and operators without requiring hardware retrofits. (This capability does not retroactively apply to existing Xos vehicles already in the field.)
By embedding bidirectional capability at the depot level, Xos enables fleets to reduce peak demand charges, defer infrastructure upgrades, and participate in utility demand response programs.
Commercial fleets present excellent use cases for V2G deployment. Vehicles follow predictable schedules, and return to a central depot each night. In particular, school buses typically sit idle outside of morning and afternoon routes, so stored energy can be made available to the grid for extended periods without affecting daily operations.
“V2G is a fundamental shift in how commercial fleets create value,” said Dakota Semler, CEO of Xos. “Starting with one of the most widely deployed vehicle platforms in America and extending across our full product catalog, we are turning new Xos-powered depots into a grid asset. With production beginning this April, we’re delivering the ability to generate revenue, cut peak demand costs, and strengthen community energy resilience without adding complexity to daily operations.”
“The engineering challenge with V2G at commercial scale is not just bidirectional hardware. It is building the capability to manage energy flow across vehicles and sites without disrupting daily operations,” said Saleh Heydari, Chief Technology Officer of Xos. “We designed this to handle predictive scheduling, depot-level coordination, and utility integration, making V2G operationally seamless and financially meaningful from day one.”
The global electric vehicle industry is experiencing rapid growth, driving an urgent demand for power conversion systems that are not only efficient but also highly reliable. Among these, the on-board charger (OBC) is a critical component, tasked with converting alternating current (AC) from various charging infrastructures, residential, commercial, or public, into direct current (DC) suitable for charging high-voltage battery systems.
The performance and safety of the OBC directly impact overall vehicle efficiency, battery health, and user experience. As the EV ecosystem evolves to incorporate advanced functionalities such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and modular, distributed power electronics, the requirements for testing and validation have become more complex and rigorous, particularly under variable and dynamic electrical conditions.
This article presents a comprehensive overview of how Kikusui’s cutting-edge power testing solutions specifically, the PCR-WEA/WEA2 series of programmable AC/DC power supplies, the PXB series of bidirectional DC power supplies, and the PLZ-5WH2 high-speed DC electronic loads enable detailed evaluation, functional testing, and seamless system integration of OBCs and other critical EV power electronic components, including traction batteries. These tools support robust characterization across a range of real-world scenarios, contributing to improved design validation, compliance, and performance optimization in next-generation electric mobility systems.
Electric vehicle OBCs serve as the primary interface between the power grid and a vehicle’s high-voltage battery, enabling safe AC-to-DC conversion across a wide range of input conditions. Modern OBCs must not only provide efficient unidirectional charging but increasingly support bidirectional energy flow for V2H/V2G functions, grid-interactive services, and energy storage applications.
At the same time, automotive manufacturers are shifting toward compact, modular, and multifunctional power electronic assemblies, combining OBCs, DC/DC converters, and junction boxes into integrated units to reduce size, weight, and cost.
These advancements increase the need for:
Robust AC-side resilience against voltage sags, frequency variations, momentary interruptions, and harmonic distortion.
Stable DC-side control, ensuring proper charging behavior, battery protection, and compliance with global standards.
Test equipment capable of reproducing worldwide grid conditions, enabling repeatable and accelerated development.
Kikusui’s laboratory-grade power systems provide this controlled environment, ensuring OBCs and battery systems are verified under real-world electrical variability with high fidelity.
Figure 1. AC–DC Conversion of Voltage and Current Waveforms in an On-Board Charger (OBC).
AC-Side Evaluation of On-Board Chargers
The PCR-WEA/WEA2 Series is a high-capacity AC/DC regulated power supply designed for flexible, high-precision grid simulation. It supports all major global AC configurations used for electric vehicle (EV) charging, including:
Single-phase 120 V (commonly used in USA)
Single-phase 200 V three-wire (L1-N-L2, typically 100 V line-to-neutral, 200 V line-to-line)
Three-phase 208V (line-to-line), common in industrial or commercial charging applications
A single PCR-WEA/WEA2 unit can replicate these voltage and phase conditions without requiring additional hardware, significantly reducing test complexity and enabling rapid configuration changes for global compliance testing.
The 15-model PCR-WEA2 lineup offers AC/DC output from 1 kVA to 36 kVA, with variable single- and three-phase output from 6 kVA upward. It features a regenerative mode for reduced power consumption and supports mix-and-match parallel operation up to 144 kVA for scalable test systems, the series offers:
Output frequency flexibility up to 5 kHz
4x rated peak current capability
1.4x inrush current tolerance for 500 ms
These features enable engineers to accurately evaluate OBC performance during startup, simulate real-world grid disturbances, and validate transient handling during rapid load transitions.
Available power configurations options 1 kVA and 2 kVA, 4 kVA, 8 kVA, 12 kVA, 16 kVA, 20 kVA, and 24 kVA. For applications requiring higher capacity, parallel operation can extend the output up to 96 kVA. Additionally, the three-phase PCR-WEA2 series is available in 3 kVA, 6 kVA, 12 kVA, 18 kVA, 24 kVA, 30 kVA, and 36 kVA models, with parallel expansion possible up to 144 kVA.
Figure 2. AC Power Simulation for EV Charging: Single-Phase and Three-Phase 100V/200V Inputs Delivering Pure Sine Wave Outputs for 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW Charging.
Key Features and Benefits of PCR-WEA/WEA2:
Versatile Output Configurations supporting all major EV charging voltages.
Ultra-Compact Design providing high power density for reduced lab footprint.
Exceptional Transient Handling for inrush and peak-load events.
Advanced Sequencing Functions to simulate disturbances, harmonics, and advanced grid behavior.
Global Grid Simulation with adjustable voltage, frequency, and phase.
Proven Reliability, widely used in Japanese automotive and consumer electronics industries.
Sequence Functions for Advanced AC Simulation
The PCR-WEA/WEA2 Series incorporates sophisticated waveform programming that allows engineers to replicate complex utility grid behavior with precision. These functions are essential for evaluating OBC reliability, EMC performance, and compliance with international test standards.
Simulation of Power Disturbances
The system can reproduce a range of real-world anomalies, including:
Undervoltage/Overvoltage
Voltage dips, swells, and fluctuations
Instantaneous interruptions
Waveform distortion
These simulations help verify OBC operation during brownouts, unstable infrastructure, and transient grid events.
Harmonic and Phase Control
The PCR-WEA/WEA2 supports harmonic synthesis up to the 40th order, enabling detailed analysis of power factor correction (PFC) behavior and OBC EMI performance. Adjustable initial phase settings (e.g., 0°, 90°, 270°) enable worst-case startup scenario testing.
Compliance and Standards Testing
The series supports testing aligned with major global power quality standards, such as:
IEC 61000-4-11 – Voltage dips, short interruptions, variations
IEC 61000-4-28 – Frequency variations
IEC 61000-4-34 – Voltage disturbances for high-current equipment
These features help manufacturers validate devices before formal certification, reducing development cycles and compliance risk.
Figure 3. Various Sequence Functions: Simulation of Voltage Dips, Interruptions, and Harmonic Waveforms for Compliance with IEC 61000 Standards
DC-Side Evaluation of On-Board Chargers
To complement AC-side testing, Kikusui provides powerful DC-side test instruments, including the PXB Series bidirectional DC power supply and the PLZ-5WH2 Series high-speed DC electronic load.
PXB Series – Bidirectional High-Capacity DC Power Supply
The PXB Series offers bidirectional operation, allowing both sourcing and sinking of power for energy-regenerative testing. This reduces total energy consumption during extended test cycles.
Supporting voltages up to 1,500 V, the PXB series is ideal for evaluating high-voltage battery systems (300–750 VDC typical). Its regenerative capability simulates both charging and discharging conditions, closely reflecting actual EV operating environments.
PLZ-5WH2 Series – DC Electronic Load
The PLZ-5WH2 Series provides high-speed transient response and precise dynamic load control, enabling accurate measurement of OBC output characteristics such as voltage regulation, ripple, and transient response.
With voltage handling up to 1,000 V, it allows engineers to evaluate the OBC’s behavior under sudden load changes, ensuring safety and reliability in real-world operation.
System Integration and Application Flexibility
By combining the PCR-WEA/WEA2, PXB, and PLZ-5WH2 systems, Kikusui delivers a fully integrated OBC test environment capable of simulating both grid-side and battery-side conditions with precision.
This integrated platform allows:
End-to-End AC–DC performance testing under variable grid conditions
Long-term endurance and efficiency testing through regenerative power flow
Harmonic, transient, and compliance testing per global standards
Optimized energy use through power regeneration
Such a setup ensures comprehensive validation and accelerated development of next-generation OBC and EV power systems.
Conclusion
As EV power electronics expand in capability and complexity, the need for high-precision, globally representative test environments continues to grow. Kikusui’s PCR-WEA/WEA2, PXB, and PLZ-5WH2 series provide a comprehensive solution for AC and DC evaluation of OBCs, high-voltage battery systems, and related power electronics.
By delivering advanced harmonic simulation, regenerative operation, fast transient control, and compliance-oriented sequence functions, these instruments enable engineers to design, validate, and integrate next-generation EV charging and energy-management systems with confidence.
Taseko Mines says it has harvested the first copper cathodes from the newly completed commercial production facility at its Florence Copper operation in Arizona, marking what the company calls the first new US greenfield copper production since 2008.
The company had announced startup of Florence Copper’s electrowinning plant in late February. Now it says the first cathodes have been harvested, an early milestone in ramping the site toward its nameplate capacity of 85 million pounds per year of LME Grade A copper. Over a 22-year mine life, Taseko expects Florence to produce at least 1.5 billion pounds of copper.
Taseko also says Florence Copper is the first greenfield site globally to use its ISCR process, which it describes as a low-cost copper production method with environmental advantages over conventional mining. If the site reaches planned output, Taseko says it will become the third-largest copper cathode producer in the US.
“Producing LME Grade A copper cathode for America’s manufacturing sector, including automotive, semiconductor, defense/aerospace and AI data centers, will meaningfully strengthen US manufacturing and supply chain security,” said President and CEO Stuart McDonald. He added that all copper produced at Florence will remain in the US.
Cary, North Carolina has deployed a Pierce Volterra plug-in hybrid fire truck. The city adopted its first light-duty electrified vehicles a decade ago, and chose to electrify this heavy-duty truck in order to improve public health and air quality, firefighter working conditions, and long-term fleet resilience.
The Pierce Volterra features an Oshkosh parallel-hybrid drivetrain. Both travel and pumping can be powered by batteries or by the internal combustion engine.
The Environmental Defense Fund is using the city’s deployment as a case study to demonstrate how light-duty plug-in vehicle adoption can scale into heavy-duty, mission-critical applications. EDF’s case study is designed to show municipalities how focused deployment, strong cross-sector partnerships and leading-by-example planning can facilitate EV implementation.
EDF’s recommendations based on the group’s electrified fleet case studies:
Start with applications in which impact and feasibility align for your fleet to transition to plug-in vehicles.
Strong partnerships make the process easier and build relationships that facilitate future additions. Cary’s project was enabled through collaboration among the town’s leadership, fire department, utility, OEMs and other stakeholders.
A targeted deployment builds knowledge, confidence and momentum, and provides a framework for other municipal fleets to learn from. EDF’s case study is designed to show how other fleets can replicate Cary’s planning and incorporate coordination into their initial research and transition plans.
Hoenle Adhesives has introduced Vitralit CIPG 60200, a UV-curable cured-in-place gasket material for automotive and e-mobility electronics housings. The company is positioning the blue fluorescent polyacrylate as an alternative to conventional solid gaskets and FIPG silicone systems for complex 3D sealing geometries.
Hoenle says the material can be dispensed precisely with adhesive valves and programmable robots, then rapidly cured under UV light at 365 nm or 405 nm, or with gas-discharge lamps, enabling short cycle times and immediate handling strength. Once cured, the gasket is designed to maintain sealing force over time, with the company citing a compression set of 15% after 24 hours at 150 °C and an operating range from -40 °C to above 150 °C.
The company also says Vitralit CIPG 60200 resists common automotive media including engine oil, ATF, and 50:50 water/glycol mixtures, while offering low outgassing and UL 94 HB compatibility. Hoenle is targeting applications such as ECUs, battery disconnect units, on-board chargers, and cell module controllers.
A notable angle is serviceability: Hoenle says the cured gasket can be reused after disassembly, allowing housings to be opened and resealed without replacing the gasket. The company says that can reduce service cost and waste in maintenance and repair scenarios.
Wieland Electric will showcase its new podis power bus system for EV infrastructure at the upcoming EV Charging Summit and Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.
Wieland’s podis is designed to simplify, accelerate and future-proof EV charging installations. The podis decentralized power distribution system offers a modular, plug-and-play alternative to traditional hard-wired installations. It’s aimed at commercial, industrial, fleet and parking applications.
Using podis eliminates complex conduit runs. Wieland says it can be installed in a third the time compared with pre-assembled, pluggable components, and can reduce labor costs by up to a third compared to conventional wiring methods.
Wieland’s podis delivers reliable power distribution with high-current capacity. It offers scalable design that can grow with EV demand, and includes flexible layouts optimized for various applications, including parking garages, fleet depots and multi-unit residential developments.
Wieland’s podis system will be on display at booth 1402 at the upcoming EV Charging Summit & Expo, March 17–19, 2026 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
Battery electrode manufacturer LiCAP Technologies has announced a major expansion of its operations. The company recently secured a 40,500-square-foot industrial facility in Sacramento, tripling its work space.
The new facility will serve as LiCAP’s dedicated manufacturing hub, enabling scaled production of its dry electrode platform and supporting development for energy storage and data center applications.
LiCAP’s proprietary Activated Dry Electrode (ADE) technology eliminates the toxic solvents required for the traditional wet slurry electrode production process. The company says its dry process saves energy, cost and factory space, as well as improving electrode performance. (Read our in-depth interview with LiCAP President Richard Qiu.)
LiCAP has introduced a new ultracapacitor system assembly line. The company says its ultracapacitors deliver more than one million charge-discharge cycles and exceed 15 years of calendar year life, reducing maintenance intervals and total cost of ownership. The ultracapacitor system line will focus on grid stabilization projects, data centers and other energy storage applications.
“This milestone reflects the market’s strong appetite for cleaner, more efficient energy storage technologies,” said President Richard Qiu. “Our new facility gives us the scale to support commercial partners and deliver energy storage solutions that meet industrial reliability standards.”
