Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing

Electric vehicles (EVs) integrate two distinct sectors: the automotive industry, governed by ISO standards, and the electrical industry, guided by IEC standards. Testing for electric vehicles extends beyond just homologation for the vehicles and their components; it also encompasses the evaluation of charging interfaces and the systems that facilitate communication between EVs, charging stations, and back-office systems.

Benefits of Electric Vehicle Testing

• Safeguard users, equipment, and infrastructure by confirming electrical safety standards.

• Validate that your products meet industry standards and regulations.

• Assess the conformance, interoperability, and electromagnetic compatibility of your electric vehicle products.

• Enable the marketing of your products across multiple international markets.

Introduction to Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) date back to the late 19th century, but they initially lost ground to internal combustion engines. Today, however, the trend towards e-mobility is gaining significant momentum. What’s driving this shift now? Three key factors are accelerating the transition to EVs:

• Stricter Environmental Regulations: New restrictions on CO2 emissions for both vehicle manufacturers and owners are pushing the industry towards cleaner alternatives.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as more affordable and efficient batteries, along with improved infrastructure for faster charging, are enhancing the viability of EVs.

• Evolving Consumer Preferences: Increasing environmental awareness and growing acceptance of electric vehicles are influencing buyer choices.

As a result of this shift, car manufacturers are compelled to innovate, developing new hybrid and fully electric vehicle models. In the coming years, Europe alone is expected to see the launch of over 300 new full-EV models.

Testing and Certifying Electric Vehicles

Testing electric vehicles (EVs) encompasses much more than just homologation testing for the vehicles and their components. It also includes evaluating the charging interfaces and the systems that facilitate communication between EVs, charging stations, and back-office systems, a process known as interoperability or conformance testing.

Battery packs, composed of numerous individual cells, are a vital energy source that can pose potential hazards, making thorough testing essential. Moreover, conformance testing for all electrical components—such as plugs, cables, connectors, wiring, and switches—is a critical aspect of the overall electric vehicle testing process.

Absolute Veritas scope for Electric Vehicle Testing:

• Electrical safety testing

• Performance testing

• Conformance and interoperability testing

• Functional safety testing

• EMC testing

• Wireless testing

• Cyber security testing

• Software testing

• Environmental & stress testing

• Chemical testing

EV Battery Testing

To enhance the range of electric vehicles, battery packs are increasing in size and weight, while new battery technologies are promising higher energy density. These developments, however, also present greater potential safety hazards. At Absolute Veritas, we provide a comprehensive array of testing and certification solutions for battery cells and modules, along with homologation testing for manufacturers at both the full-vehicle and component levels.

Absolute Veritas EV battery-related services include:

• Functional safety (ISO 26262)

• Electrical safety (EN 50604, ISO 18243, , IEC 62660)

• Performance testing

• Environmental testing

• Development testing

• Validation testing

• Homologation testing (R100, UN 38.3, R10)

• Certification

EV Charging Interface, Electronics, and Components Testing

Electric vehicles encompass a wide range of technologies and equipment, where electronic components integrate with mechanical automotive parts. This diversity necessitates adherence to a broader spectrum of standards from a testing perspective. With our extensive experience in both automotive and electrical industry standards, Absolute Veritas is well-equipped to assist you. From plugs, cables, and connectors to wiring, switches, inverters, and converters, our experts provide guidance on the most effective testing and certification strategies tailored to your needs.

Absolute Veritas EV charging interface, electronics & components services include:

• Electrical safety testing (ISO 17409, ISO 6469-3)

• Interoperability and conformance testing (ISO 15118)

• EMC testing (IEC 61851-21-2)

• Functional safety testing (ISO 26262)

• Development testing

• Validation testing

• Environmental testing (ISO 16750, ISO 19453)

• ‘Connected car’ services