Can a charger be tested without plugging in an actual EV? A virtual EV tool simulates charging conditions to check safety and performance.
Fluke has launched the FEV500, an all-in-one testing tool that simulates an electric vehicle to test fast DC Level 3 charging stations for safety, communication, interoperability, and performance.
The tool is designed for field technicians who need to verify charger operation without using an actual vehicle. It can simulate charging and communication scenarios through a single connection, allowing technicians to test the charging infrastructure without opening or disassembling the station.
The FEV500 combines functions that would otherwise require multiple instruments, including a digital multimeter, insulation tester, and oscilloscope. It supports ISO 15118 and DIN SPEC 70121 communication standards used between EVs and charging equipment, enabling checks of both electrical and digital communication behaviour.
A guided auto-test workflow provides PASS/FAIL results and instructions for commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Test data is entered directly into the instrument, reducing manual measurement and recording work.
The device can also test charger interoperability and performance without requiring an external power source. Technicians can perform tests through a single connection point, helping identify faults before they result in extended charger downtime.
The instrument is housed in a wheeled chassis for field use and has a removable battery for transport. It is intended for applications ranging from individual charging stations to commercial and fleet charging infrastructure.
“With the Government of India targeting 1.32 million EV charging stations by 2030, the challenge is no longer just deploying chargers, it is ensuring they operate reliably every day,” says Dr Utsav Sharma, Product Manager, Fluke Technologies.
As high-power DC charging networks expand, tools that can reproduce vehicle-side charging behaviour can help technicians validate communication and electrical operation without taking an EV out of service for testing.
For the official announcement, click here.
