Hirose’s ZE150HV Series Selected as a CES Innovation Awards® 2026 Honoree
Compact High Voltage Wire to Board Connector,Designed for EV and HEV Powertrains.
Hirose’s ZE150HV Series has been selected as a CES Innovation Awards® Honoree within Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility, presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®. The CES Innovation Awards® 2026 internationally recognize noteworthy products in 36 product fields based on product quality, design aesthetic, value provided to users, and innovation over competing products.
The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CTA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.
Ensuring safe and highly reliable power connections even under harsh environmental conditions.
The ZE150HV Series is a compact, wire to board connector designed for high-voltage applications in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains. With a 4.5 mm pitch, it supports 1000V AC/DC, 10A current, and temperatures up to 125°C. Engineered to meet IEC 60664 standards (Pollution Degree 2, altitude 6,000m), the ZE150HV combines reliable electrical performance with mechanical stability.
The ZE150HV Series introduces three key innovations that address critical challenges in high-voltage EV/HEV systems, enabling safer, more reliable power connections in extreme environments.
- Integrated performance under harsh conditions:
- There is a standard distance required between pins to achieve 1000V. Hirose reduces this distance by using proprietary ribs between the contacts (patent pending). This design reduces connector size and supports further miniaturization of application systems.
- Dual spring, 3-point contact system for vibration resistance:
- The ZE150HV terminal features a three-point contact structure that reduces the risk of disconnection and improves reliability compared to traditional designs. The dual-spring structure increases pressure, strengthening the contact force and stabilizing the connection under severe vibration. This ensures a consistent electrical connection in environments prone to movement, such as near EV motors and inverters.
- CPA mechanism for high-voltage safety:
- Robust housing and built-in connector position assurance (CPA) prevent human error in mating operations. This reduces the risk of electrical arcing or exposure, especially important in high-voltage environments.
Made from heat-resistant, RoHS2-compliant materials, the connector delivers long-term reliability in harsh conditions, extending service life and reducing waste from damage or rework, supporting environmentally conscious designs.
“The ZE150HV is designed for high-voltage automotive systems that demand compact size, durability, and visual clarity during installation,” said Pete Lais, Assistant Vice President of Product Management for Hirose Electric Americas. “Its compact shape supports efficient wire routing and flexible placement, even in densely packed powertrain assemblies.”
Future Product Development
The ZE150HV Series is scheduled for release in March of 2026. We will continue to advance product development to meet the evolving needs of our customers.