The Evolving Standardization Landscape for Electrically Propelled Vehicles

The electrically propelled vehicle makes use of various technologies and is thus faced with diverse standardization and regulation cultures. The relevant standardization landscape is a complex one, particularly if new energy vectors such as hydrogen are taken into account. The growing interest for the deployment of (hybrid) electric drive technology has given rise to specific standardization issues, which are being tackled by specific technical teams. Currently enforced rating standards to evaluate the performance of ground vehicles must in fact be adapted to hybrid electric vehicles, with particular problems arising when considering plug-in hybrids which use both fuel and mains electricity. New standards are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of the hybrid systems against the future vehicle requirements within specifically applicable bounds and regulations. The paper highlights current evolutions in the field, discussing the ongoing work programme of international standardization committees (particularly ISO TC22 SC21 and IEC TC69), and more particularly the interaction between these committees. Special attention will be given to a number of pending issues such as the definition of reliable performance and energy consumption tests for plug-in hybrid vehicles with both fuel and electricity energy supply, the specific need for infrastructure standardization and the impact of the introduction of new technologies such as hydrogen on vehicle safety standardization. The paper will report on activities in this field, providing direct feedback from the international standardization shopfloor, and will recommend specific work areas for standardization, highlighting the potential interaction of ongoing international standardization activities.