High fuel prices boost EV sales in Europe
Europeans are switching to electric vehicles (EVs) at levels never seen before. IEC Standards pave the way for a smooth transition to e-mobility.
It was to be expected, to some degree, but the first European figures to be released in the wake of the conflict between Iran and the USA indicate rapidly increasing sales of EVs.
224 000 new EVs were registered in March, and 500 000 across the first three months of the year, which represents a 33,5% increase on the same period a year earlier. The figures, which were released by New AutoMotive and E-Mobility Europe, a trade body, concern 15 countries in Europe.
Norway leads the way as 98% of all new cars sold in March were EVs, followed by Denmark at 76% and Finland at almost 50%. Norway's EV fleet is among the largest per capita in the world, supported by government policies which have been encouraging the growth of EVs for many years.
But other countries that are not in the Nordic zone have also shown strong numbers: according to the trade body, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Poland witnessed a 40 % increase in EV uptake during the first quarter of the year.
IEC Standards support the switch to EVs
Several IEC International Standards help to ensure EVs are safe and can charge electricity from the grid and even discharge electricity back to the grid when required. TC 57, for example, publishes the IEC 61850 series, key standards for the smart grid, which notably deal with issues such as the integration of renewable energies and EVs within the electrical network.
IEC 62196‑1, Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive charging of electric vehicles – Part 1: General requirements, describes the interface between the EV and the charging station and defines the requirements and test methods for the accessories used.
IEC TC 69 develops standards for electrical power and energy transfer systems for electrically propelled road vehicles – including EVs. This comprises the IEC 61851 series for conductive charging system, which specify the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) charging infrastructures, while IEC 63110 establishes the management protocol for the EV charging and discharging infrastructure.
As DC megawatt (MW) charging becomes more relevant, the IEC has recently published IEC TS 63379, which specifies the standard interface configurations of vehicle charging connectors and accessories needed for conductive charging at MW DC levels.
IEC TC 21 publishes international standards for battery cells, including lithium-ion, such as the IEC 62660 series on secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of EVs. The three-part series covers performance testing, reliability tests and safety requirements. The IEC also ensures the safety for EV battery swapping systems, with IEC 62840-2.
Conformity assessment for batteries and EVs is key
Testing and certification of different battery systems are a scheme offered by one of the four Conformity Assessment Systems administered by the IEC, IECEE (IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components). The scheme tests the safety, performance, component interoperability, energy efficiency, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous substances of batteries.
IECEE also has a specific programme for EVs through its registered certification body testing laboratories and national certification bodies. They can test and certify charging systems, stations and plugs against IEC Standards.