To enable the EV market to take off, consumers need to know that electric vehicles have the range, performance, reliability and handling characteristics they demand.
Getting a detailed preview of types of EV testing and Standards of testing EVs in India, check out my previous article, “Is Testing Standards of EVs in India a Necessity?”
To ensure that EVs meet safety and performance standards, a variety of techniques for Test & Measurement of EVs are used throughout the development, production, and maintenance process.
What Do You Mean by Testing EV Parts?
One of the vital aspects of Test & Measurement of EVs is the characterization of the battery system, which is a critical component of the vehicle.
This includes measuring the energy and power density, cell voltage, and internal resistance of the battery cells. Companies such as YASA and Ilika provide specialized battery testing equipment for EV manufacturers.
Another important aspect of Test & Measurement of EVs is the measurement of the vehicle’s performance characteristics, such as energy consumption and range.
This can be done through chassis dynamometer testing, which simulates on-road driving conditions and allows for the precise measurement of energy consumption and emission levels.
Companies such as AVL and Bosch offer chassis dynamometer systems for Test & Measurement of EVs.
In addition to performance testing, EV manufacturers also conduct a variety of safety tests to ensure that the vehicles meet regulatory requirements. This includes crash testing, which simulates the impact of a collision and measures the vehicle’s structural integrity, as well as thermal testing to ensure that the vehicle’s components can withstand extreme temperatures.
Companies such as Denton Vacuum and MTS Systems Corporation provide equipment for the crash and thermal testing of EVs.
After an EV is produced and put into the market, the Test & Measurement of EVs and their equipment still play important role in maintenance and troubleshooting.
For example, an EV battery management system (BMS) is responsible for monitoring and controlling the state of the battery pack, including its charge and discharge status.
A BMS tester, provided by companies like TEKpower, can verify the proper operation of the BMS and detect any issues.
Counted as another aspect of Test & Measurement of EVs is the measurement of the electric motor and drivetrain, which convert the electrical energy stored in the battery into mechanical energy that propels the vehicle.
Motor testing equipment such as Dynamometer provided by companies like Rotronics, can be used to measure the torque, speed and efficiency of the electric motor, and detect any issues.
In conclusion, the test and measurement equipment is critical to ensuring that EVs meet safety and performance standards.
A variety of techniques in the Test & Measurement of EVs, including battery testing, performance testing, safety testing, and maintenance testing, are used throughout the development, production, and maintenance process of EVs.
Companies Specialized in Test & Measurement of EVs
Companies such as YASA, Ilika, AVL, Bosch, Denton Vacuum, MTS Systems Corporation, TEKpower, Rotronics provide specialized equipment to support the Test & Measurement of EVs.
AVL
AVL company provides powertrain and vehicle engineering services, as well as testing equipment for EVs. Companies that specialize in the testing and characterization of battery systems for EVs.
Bosch
This global engineering and technology company offers systems for Test & Measurement of EVs and other automotive applications.
TEKpower
This company specializes in battery management system testing equipment for electric vehicles.
Rotronics
This company specializes in Motor testing equipment such as Dynamometer for electric vehicles.
National Instruments
They provide a wide variety of measurement and control hardware and software, including data acquisition and analysis tools, which are used in the testing and development of electric vehicles.
These are just a few examples, but many more companies provide equipment for Test & Measurement of EVs.
Additionally, specialized companies that carry out general Tests and measurements are Fluke, Agilent, Keysight, Tektronix, etc, which also provide equipment that could be useful in EV testing.
