German cable and connectivity specialist Phoenix Contact has launched new NACS and CCS Type 1 charging cables for the North American market, designed to support ultra-fast electric vehicle charging at up to 500 kW.
The move reflects the rapid adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), formerly Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger connector, which has become widely accepted across the region and was certified as the SAE J3400 automotive standard at the end of 2023.
Phoenix Contact had previously planned to introduce NACS cables by the end of 2024 but delivered earlier, launching SAE-compliant and UL-certified AC charging cables in mid-2024. The company has now expanded its portfolio to include DC fast-charging cables compatible with both NACS and CCS Type 1 systems.
According to the company, the NACS DC cables in its CHARX connect professional series are rated for up to 1,000 volts and can deliver charging power of up to 500 kW in Boost Mode or 375 kW continuously. The cables feature an ergonomically designed connector with a separate handle to improve safety and reduce heat transfer during operation, and they comply with SAE J3400 and UL 2251 standards.
The CCS Type 1 cables are engineered with larger conductor cross-sections to achieve similar peak charging performance, supporting up to 500 kW in Boost Mode and continuous currents of 200 A or 375 A without liquid cooling. At 1,000 volts, this equates to continuous charging levels of roughly 200 kW to 375 kW. A dual-chamber sealing system separates the DC positive and negative lines to prevent moisture intrusion, while higher-capacity versions include integrated measurement technology for legally compliant energy metering.
Phoenix Contact said both cable types share an identical internal structure to simplify engineering for vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. However, the company’s product documentation lists a maximum Boost Mode capability of up to 700 kW for some variants, creating uncertainty over final performance specifications.
The company added that development is ongoing, with plans to introduce liquid-cooled NACS charging cables capable of more than 600 amperes by the end of 2026, further supporting next-generation high-power charging systems.
Phoenix Contact, headquartered in North Rhine-Westphalia, supplies electrical connection and automation technology worldwide, with a growing focus on infrastructure for electric mobility.