Vector vSECC.InPlug Adds DC Charging Control for Depots

Vector Introduces New DC Charging Communication Controller

Vector vSECC.InPlug is a new communication controller board designed for DC charging infrastructure, while vCharM.DMS introduces digital operating processes for bus depots. The two solutions are scheduled for presentation at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. The new controller is intended for charging applications that require communication and control functions to be distributed between the charging connector and the control cabinet. Alongside the charging hardware, Vector’s depot management solution is designed to give operators a consolidated digital view of fleet and depot activities. Together, the products address charging infrastructure and operational management requirements associated with commercial vehicle depot electrification.

vSECC.InPlug Supports Extended Charging Cable Runs

The vSECC.InPlug can be used in bus and truck depots and is designed to move part of the charging communication hardware closer to the vehicle connection point. In collaboration with LAPP Mobility GmbH, Vector Informatik GmbH has integrated the controller into a DC charging connector. A second controller, such as vSECC, remains inside the control cabinet and continues to handle charging functions, communication protocols, power electronics, and backend connectivity. This architecture enables cable runs of up to 100 meters between the vehicle and charging station, providing greater flexibility for depot charging layouts.

Charging Standards Supported by the Controller

The charging communication approach supports several established standards and specifications used in electric vehicle charging. These include IEC 61851 and DIN SPEC 70121, along with ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20. Supporting these specifications allows the charging controller architecture to address communication requirements across different stages of DC charging infrastructure deployment. The division of functions between the connector-mounted controller and the control-cabinet controller also keeps charging management, power electronics, and backend connectivity within the broader system architecture. This configuration is particularly relevant for bus and truck depots where physical charging infrastructure can require longer connections between vehicles and charging equipment.

vCharM.DMS Digitizes Bus Depot Operations

Vector’s vCharM.DMS is designed to provide depot operators with a consolidated view of operational information. The system brings together vehicle status, parking bay occupancy, maintenance information, and scheduled departures, giving operators a centralized basis for managing digital depot processes. The solution can be deployed before a fleet is electrified, allowing depot operations to be organized digitally ahead of the transition to electric vehicles. This approach also provides a path toward later integration with Vector’s vCharM charging and energy management system when electric bus operations are introduced. The combination connects depot management requirements with the charging and energy processes needed for electrified bus fleets.

Deployment Approach for Bus and Truck Depots

The two products address different but connected layers of depot operations. vSECC.InPlug focuses on communication and control within DC charging infrastructure, while vCharM.DMS focuses on the digital coordination of depot activities. For commercial vehicle operators, the ability to accommodate charging connections of up to 100 meters can provide additional flexibility when charging equipment and control cabinets cannot be positioned close together. Meanwhile, the depot management system can establish digital processes before electrification and subsequently connect with charging and energy management capabilities. The solutions therefore cover both charging infrastructure requirements and the operational systems needed to manage changing depot workflows.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The introduction of these solutions highlights the growing need to coordinate charging infrastructure with depot operations as bus and truck fleets transition toward electrification. The distributed controller architecture could be relevant where longer physical connections are required between vehicles and charging stations, while vCharM.DMS provides a digital operating layer that can be established before electric buses enter service. For operators, the combination may help align depot planning, charging communication, maintenance information, parking activity, and scheduled departures within evolving fleet operations. The presentation at IAA Transportation 2026 in Germany will provide an opportunity to demonstrate how these technologies fit into commercial vehicle depot infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Vector vSECC.InPlug and vCharM.DMS designed to do?
Vector vSECC.InPlug is designed to provide communication control for DC charging infrastructure, while vCharM.DMS manages digital operating processes in bus depots. The controller can be integrated into a DC charging connector and work with a second controller in the control cabinet. It supports IEC 61851, DIN SPEC 70121, ISO 15118-2, and ISO 15118-20, while enabling cable runs of up to 100 meters. vCharM.DMS consolidates vehicle status, parking bay occupancy, maintenance information, and scheduled departures for depot operations.