Battery Power - January/February 2013 - (Page 6)

Feature Testing Requirements in the Electric Vehicle Industry Rich Byczek, Global Technical Lead, Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Intertek Electric vehicle sales have steadily increased over the last few years, and the number of electric and plug-in hybrid models available on the market is expected to nearly double by the end of 2013. This increase in sales and manufacturing coupled with innovative technological achievements in the US automotive industry gives promise to this relatively new and emerging industry. The US government has been a strong supporter of electric vehicles and other forms of renewable energy through its various government incentives. One of the main incentives is a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 on eligible electric vehicles purchased in or after 2010. Some might even recall President Obama’s public goal of achieving one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. Government incentives, consumer interest and the ingenuity of industry experts have all played a role in making the electric vehicle market what it is today, and the continued success of the industry is contingent upon them. Staying abreast of emerging technologies and the everevolving regulatory environment is key to keeping pace with industry growth. For automakers and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturers, understanding the governing bodies and their electric vehicle certification requirements and standards is critical to compete in the increasingly competitive international marketplace. bor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), which is the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation. OSHA Safety Regulations are enforced by US law and were established to help protect workers by ensuring products are designed for safe use in the workplace. OSHA regulations require a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to conduct testing and certification of many products. A NRTL is an independent third party testing organization approved and recognized by OSHA that provides unbiased assurance that products meet the requirements of industry standards. NRTLs generally partner directly with manufacturers to test and certify equipment and components. OSHA requirements are found in Title 29 of the US Department of Labor’s Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the provisions for NRTL certification are generally in Part 1910. In the US, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization that serves as a key governing body for those in the electric vehicle industry, among others. As the world’s leading authority on fire, electrical and building safety, the NFPA develops industry standards that manufacturers must meet in order for their products to be sold in the national or international market. One of the organization’s standards is NFPA 70, the US National Electric Code (NEC), which serves as the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards. As the most widely adopted code in the world, the NEC is adopted within state and local US building and construction codes. In regard to the electric vehicle industry, NEC Article 625 requires that all EVSE materials, devices, fittings and associated equipment be listed or labeled. Product labels, such as the ETL mark by Intertek, signify that a product has been tested and found in compliance with the national safety standards. The approved product is then listed in the directory of the laboratory that verified its compliance and can bear the mark of certification. Products in Europe must meet the requirements of the European Union (EU) and display the CE mark. Another key governing body is the US Department of La- Who are the National Governing Bodies? Intertek’s 100,000 square foot facility in Plymouth Township, Mich. includes several walk-in sized test chambers, which allow for testing battery performance at temperature and humidity extremes while varying other factors such as charging and water cooling. Who are the International Governing Bodies? In addition to national governing bodies in the US, there are also two international governing bodies that are important for manufacturers hoping to sell their EVSE products in multiple locations around the globe. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world’s leading non-profit standards organization that publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. The IEC is dedicated to the harmonization and voluntary adoption of electrotechnical standards. Millions of devices that contain electronics and use or produce electricity rely on IEC standards to perform and work safely together. The IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE), better known as the CB Scheme, is the international system for the safety testing and certification of electrical and electronic prodwww.BatteryPowerOnline.com 6 Battery Power • January/February 2013 http://www.BatteryPowerOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Battery Power - January/February 2013

Battery Power - January/February 2013
Table of Contents
Editor's Choice
GM, ABB Demonstrate Chevrolet Volt Battery Reuse Unit
Features
Testing Requirements in the Electric Vehicle Industry
Nearing the Promise of the Micro-Hybrid Vehicles: Technology Improvements and New Markets
So You’ve Been Placed on Notice... Now What?
Advanced Numerical Simulation for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
High-Voltage Battery Simulator and Test Systems Critical for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Development
Key Elements to Assuring a Well Developed Verification Plan for Your Battery Powered Device
New Products
Batteries
Components
ICs & Semiconductors
Departments
Industry News
Marketplace
Calendar of Events

Battery Power - January/February 2013