The Silent Hero in Your EV Charger
When you plug in your electric vehicle (EV), a tiny component works tirelessly behind the scenes – the Fuji CR2L-350UL relay. This 350V/2A DC power relay has become the backbone of modern charging stations, handling up to 100,000 switching cycles with contact resistance below 50mΩ. Its secret? Fuji’s proprietary silver alloy contacts that withstand intense electrical arcing.
Real-World Impact: Shanghai’s Charging Network Upgrade
In 2023, Shanghai’s municipal charging network replaced 12,000 legacy relays with CR2L-350UL units across 800 stations. The results spoke volumes:
- 42% reduction in maintenance callouts
- 15% faster charging handshake times
- 0 reported failures after 18 months
“The CR2L-350UL’s sealed construction was game-changing,” says lead engineer Zhang Wei. “Shanghai’s humidity used to kill relays in 6 months. These just keep working.”
Engineering Breakthroughs That Matter
Fuji’s Dual Arc Control System allows the CR2L-350UL to interrupt 350VDC loads safely – crucial for 800V architecture EVs entering the market. Independent tests show 23% faster arc extinction compared to industry averages, translating to longer contact life and reduced carbonization.
Beyond EVs: Solar Farms Adopt Fuji’s Solution
Solar energy giant Trina Solar recently integrated CR2L-350UL relays into their combiner boxes. The relays’ -40°C to +85°C operating range proved vital in desert installations where sandstorms and 60°C temperature swings are common. Field data shows 99.2% uptime versus 94.5% with previous relays.
The Road Ahead
With global EV sales projected to hit 17 million units in 2024 (BloombergNEF), components like the CR2L-350UL will only grow in importance. Fuji plans to release a 500V variant in Q3 2024, pushing DC relay technology further into uncharted territory.
