The role of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and testing rooms

The role of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and testing rooms

In 2022, the market share of new energy vehicles in China reached 24.4%, making it one of the countries with the highest market share of new energy vehicles in the world.

In terms of pure electric vehicles, the production and sales volume increased rapidly from 2018 to 2022, with an annual output of 5.467 million units in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 98.01%; The sales volume was 5.365 million units, a year-on-year increase of 96.23%. In the first half of 2023, the production and sales volume were 2.747 million and 2.719 million units respectively, an increase of 30.3% and 31.9% compared to the same period in 2022.

In terms of plug-in hybrid vehicles, the overall production and sales volume remained relatively stable between 200000 and 300000 units from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, there was explosive growth, and the rapid growth trend continued in 2022. In the first half of 2023, the production and sales volume were 1.039 million and 1.025 million units, respectively, an increase of 88.6% and 91.1% year-on-year.

New Trends in Electric Vehicle Technology

The following trends are shaping the future of electric vehicles, driving innovation, and enhancing their appeal.

Improving energy density: The advancement of battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, has increased energy density, allowing electric vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge.

Fast charging technology: The innovation of fast charging systems reduces the time required for charging electric vehicle batteries, making daily use of electric vehicles more convenient.

Vehicle to Grid (V2G) integration: This technology allows electric vehicles to return energy to the grid, improve energy efficiency, and provide potential sources of income for electric vehicle owners.

Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS): These systems optimize battery performance and lifespan by monitoring and managing charging cycles, temperature, and health conditions.

The function of environmental testing chamber

With the expansion of the electric vehicle market, the importance of strict testing cannot be overemphasized. The environmental testing laboratory and battery testing laboratory are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of electric vehicle technology. These facilities conduct various tests, which are crucial for the development and validation of electric vehicle components.

One of the main functions of these testing laboratories is design validation and product confirmation. By simulating real conditions, testing can ensure that new electric vehicle components meet design specifications and operate as expected. This process includes a series of abuse tests, where components are subject to extreme conditions such as overcharging, short circuits, and temperature fluctuations. This rigorous testing helps identify potential failure modes and ensure effective safety mechanisms.

The environmental testing chamber meets industry standards

The design of the environmental testing room complies with various industry standards that specify safety and performance requirements for electric vehicle components. Compliance with these standards is not just a regulatory requirement; It is crucial for building consumer confidence in electric vehicles. By ensuring that products meet strict safety and performance standards, manufacturers can build trust and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicle technology. The key criteria include:

IEC 62133: Provides guidelines for safe operation of secondary lithium-ion batteries, including testing protocols for performance under different conditions.

SAE J2464: Guidelines for abuse testing of rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) for electric or hybrid electric vehicles to determine their response to conditions or events beyond their normal operating range.

SAE J 2929: Safety Standard for Propulsion Battery Systems of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles - Lithium based Rechargeable Batteries

SAE J 2289: Functional Guidelines for Electric Drive Battery Pack Systems

UN/Department of Transport 38.3: Transport safety testing covering all lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries and battery packs

UL 2580: Meets safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries, ensuring they can withstand various environmental pressures.

American Society of Automobile Manufacturers (USCAR): Battery Safety and Performance in EV Battery Test Procedure Manual and Battery Technology Life Verification Test Manual

Test program

In order to meet the strict standards mentioned above, several key tests need to be conducted in the environmental testing room.  

Temperature cycling testing exposes components to extreme temperature changes, simulating conditions from freezing to high temperatures. This helps evaluate how materials cope with thermal stress, which is crucial for battery performance and lifespan.

Humidity testing evaluates how humidity affects the performance and integrity of electric vehicle components. High humidity can cause corrosion and degradation, so the test chamber simulated these conditions to ensure that the components can withstand these conditions without failure.

Vibration and impact testing are equally important, as electric vehicles experience various vibrations during operation. Mechanical stress testing can ensure that components maintain functionality and safety, especially for battery packs that must withstand these stresses without compromising safety.

Realizing the Future of Electric Vehicles

The rise of electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive industry, bringing both opportunities and challenges. With the continuous growth of the market, the demand for strong infrastructure and strict testing standards has become increasingly important.