manufacturers need to use reliable testing equipment to ensure the safety of batteries

The automotive industry has been undergoing unprecedented changes, which will lead to a complete revision of the mobile concept. Although it is still considered that the fully autonomous driving as a long-term goal, the popularity of electric vehicles is a clear trend affecting all automakers and suppliers.

Driven by growing consumer demand, regulatory pressure and technological progress, the transition to electric vehicles is accelerating. For electric vehicles, battery is one of the most important parts. In the past history, there have been cases of vehicle spontaneous combustion caused by battery failure. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of electric vehicle batteries, manufacturers need to use reliable testing equipment to ensure the safety of batteries.

The battery reliability test shall at least include the following tests

1. Vibration Test

 Mechanical stresses and influences are very important in the automotive industry due to the continuous motion of the wheels and the uneven surfaces that the vehicle may come into contact with. Therefore, the battery system must be able to cope with these severe vibrations for a long time. Vehicle crashes are also a real threat, and any battery system that encounters such an event must survive or be damaged. It is critical that any shock or pressure applied to the battery system does not cause a fire or an explosive gas leak. 

2. Temperature Test

While electric cars don't have an engine, the high current drawn from the battery can cause temperatures to rise. However, depending on the location of the vehicle, these batteries are also expected to operate at extremely low temperatures. Moreover, temperatures also fluctuate daily on cold nights and hot days, which can lead to frequent heat stress to consider. If the vehicle is placed in the sun and not in use, designers may need to consider the need for an automatic cooling system that is always on.

3. Electrical Test

Under normal conditions, the designer will be able to determine the current draw from the battery to the motor, thereby determining cable size and fuse settings. However, there are many other electrical factors that can have serious effects on the battery to consider. First, the rate of change of battery voltage during charging and discharging can cause overheating. Another factor to consider is the mains voltage spikes in the event of a grid failure, which can seriously damage the battery system.

Battery systems are more prone to failure and damage than engine/fuel systems because they are very sensitive to shock, vibration, temperature fluctuations and penetration. Therefore, strict standards must be followed when installing battery systems to ensure safety even in the harshest environments.