Accelerating the Low-rate Initial Production Of CWUBIC, Current Ways’ Next Generation Bidirectional OBC
Current Ways, Inc.
Recipient
Santee, CA
Recipient Location
38th
Senate District
71st
Assembly District
$121,043
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
Through 2024, significant progress has been made on the development of our CWUBIC onboard charger as we move closer to commercialization. Key highlights include:
Design Improvements: Noise issues identified in earlier prototypes have been addressed, and design modifications are now complete. Prototype Control Boards are set to be built.
Customer Engagement: We are in active discussions with Monarch Tractors and Volvo to commercialize CWUBIC by 2026. Low-power, reliable prototypes are being developed for customer feedback.
Manufacturing Enhancements: HEPEG has been engaged to optimize designs for manufacturability and scalability. A preliminary Bill of Materials and facility requirements are in progress.
Software Development: The state machine and control schema have been completed and are ready for validation.
Looking ahead, we aim to validate the noise fixes, deliver prototypes to key customers for feedback, and finalize a comprehensive manufacturing plan in the next quarter. These milestones mark critical steps toward delivering a scalable, reliable solution for our partners in the electric vehicle industry.
The Issue
The current market lacks an onboard charging solution that can meet the demand for faster charging and support bidirectional power flow. Existing technologies are often limited to a Level 2 charging rate of 11.2 kW, falling short in terms of efficiency, bidirectionality, and affordability. This hinders the adoption of EVs as consumers face the dilemma of choosing between affordable electric vehicles with slow charging rates or expensive options with limited bidirectional capabilities. The scarcity of V2G-enabled vehicles and the inability to utilize mobile energy to support the grid restricts the potential for statewide clean energy integration. The high cost of direct current (DC) fast charging exacerbates range anxiety among EV users who are limited to more affordable, but slower, Level 1 and Level 2 charging sources.
Project Innovation
The purpose of this Agreement is to fund the design and build-out of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) pilot line to manufacture a high-performance onboard EV charger (OBC) called Current Ways Universal Bidirectional Isolated Converter (CWUBIC). CWUBIC offers high charge rate capabilities and bidirectionality functions such as vehicle to load (V2L), vehicle to building (V2B), and vehicle to grid (V2G) through its modular and high-power density design without the need for costly electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
The development of the ~33kW bidirectional Onboard Charger (OBC) production line, supported by the California Energy Commission (CEC) RAMP grant, offers significant benefits to ratepayers by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancing local manufacturing capabilities. Key benefits include:
Lower Costs: By establishing local manufacturing for high-quality OBCs, the project reduces reliance on imports, driving down costs for EV components and, ultimately, EV ownership.
Grid Efficiency: Bidirectional OBCs enable Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, allowing EVs to support grid stability by storing and returning energy during peak demand, reducing electricity costs for consumers.
Job Creation: The project supports workforce development and local job creation, strengthening the economy and benefiting communities.
Environmental Impact: Sustainable manufacturing practices reduce waste and energy consumption, contributing to cleaner energy systems and a healthier environment for ratepayers.
Energy Resilience: Increased EV adoption and V2G capabilities enhance grid resilience, ensuring reliable electricity access during outages or emergencies.
Through these advancements, ratepayers benefit from cost savings, improved grid reliability, and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Key Project Members
Gana Kasina
Subrecipients
Moorpark USD
Match Partners
Current Ways, Inc.
