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
In 2025, Current Ways made strong progress on the CWUBIC, its next‑generation bidirectional EV charger, moving it closer to commercial readiness. The team finalized the overall design, improved the hardware layout for better performance and manufacturability, and ordered the first full set of prototype parts. Software development also advanced significantly, with most core charging and communication features in place. The testing lab was fully outfitted, and procedures were prepared so that system testing and the first full‑power demonstration could begin as soon as the key equipment arrived.
In 2026, the team will complete the full‑power demo, deliver sample units, build the first ten prototypes, and finish the pilot manufacturing line, setting the stage for scalable production and deployment.
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.
The Issue
The EV market struggles with the limitations of today’s Level 2 charging systems. Most affordable EVs remain capped at 7–11 kW AC charging, and higher-end units rarely exceed 19.2 kW. This leaves drivers facing slow home charging or relying on costly, grid‑intensive DC fast charging. At the same time, bidirectional capability, essential for vehicle‑to‑grid and vehicle‑to-home applications, remains uncommon and largely restricted to select luxury models.
These limitations create a bottleneck for consumer adoption and hinder progress toward California’s clean‑energy and grid‑resilience goals. Drivers are forced to choose between lower‑cost EVs with inadequate charging or more expensive models that still lack full bidirectional features. CWUBIC closes this technology gap by offering a 22 kW / 19.6 kW, bidirectional, isolated onboard charger designed for commercialization, enabling faster charging and practical V2G capability across all EV classes.
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.
Affordability
By establishing local manufacturing for high-quality OBCs, the project reduces reliance on imports, driving down costs for EV components and, ultimately, EV ownership.
Economic Development
The project supports workforce development and local job creation, strengthening the economy and benefiting communities.
Reliability
Bidirectional OBCs enable Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, allowing EVs to support grid stability by storing and returning energy during peak demand. Increased EV adoption and V2G capabilities enhance grid resilience, supporting reliable electricity access during outages or emergencies.
Key Project Members
Gana Kasina
Subrecipients
Moorpark USD
Match Partners
Current Ways, Inc.
