Traction battery approval

Traction battery approval, also known as battery homologation, is a critical process for manufacturers that want to sell traction batteries or battery-powered vehicles in international markets. TÜV SÜD’s traction battery approval service helps xEV battery and battery system producers to demonstrate their products have been tested according to international standards. Compliance with requirements gives you access to major automotive markets around the world.

The global expansion of the electric vehicle market increases the need for manufacturers to comply with diverse international safety standards. To enter these markets successfully, their traction batteries must comply with certain regulations. Gaining traction battery type approval from regulatory authorities demonstrates that batteries meet stringent safety and performance criteria. This ensures legal market entry, enhances product reliability, and boosts consumer confidence.

Comprehensive compliance demonstrates that batteries meet all necessary safety, performance, and environmental standards. However, it can be complex to successfully navigate various international regulations like ECE R100 and FMVSS 305. Efficient management of the approval process minimises costs and accelerates market entry.

TÜV SÜD’s international network of experts have extensive regulatory expertise and a deep understanding of global vehicle regulations and standards. We play an active role in the development and understanding of global standards, so we can offer you with the most up-to-date compliance advice. Our advanced testing facilities are equipped with the latest technology for precise and reliable battery testing. Our global presence supports your battery homologation needs in all major automotive markets, from technical advice and documentation review to final certification.

TÜV SÜD provides expert guidance and testing services to navigate the battery homologation process, helping manufacturers to meet global regulatory requirements and achieve type approval.

Our comprehensive range of tests include vibration, thermal propagation, thermal shock, and fire resistance, all aligned with international standards to ensure a thorough evaluation of traction batteries. We support your traction battery approval process from initial consultation to certificate delivery.

Our service scope includes:

• Technical advice

• Documentation review

• Preparation of technical reports

• Type approval testing and certification for most major markets

• Complete battery homologation support

Traction battery type approval for the European Union

Alongside ECE-R100 compliance, xEV battery OEMs must also navigate a complex set of steps to successfully achieve EU type approval for their products.

These steps include:

• Selecting one of the three testing approval routes authorised under the Directive.

• Preparing and assembling the required documentation (referred to as the ‘information folder’ in the Regulation) that includes detailed specifications of the xEV battery, drawings, photographs, test reports, and other technical information as required.

• Under the UNECE’s type approval scheme, a recognised ‘technical service’ must conduct or witness testing, and report testing results to the chosen approval authority. The approval authority in turn reviews and recognises the testing results and assigns a registration number together with an E-mark. TÜV SÜD is recognised as a technical service by nine authorities.

Our laboratories are equipped to carry out all high-voltage traction battery tests for ECE-R100:

• Vibration tests.

• Thermal propagation.

• Thermal shock and cycling tests.

• Mechanical shock tests.

• Mechanical integrity tests.

• Fire resistance tests.

• External short circuit protection tests.

• Overcharge protection tests.

• Overcurrent protection.

• Over-discharge protection tests.

• Over-temperature protection tests.

In addition to testing according to ECE-R100 Rev. 3, we can also carry out electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing according to ECE-R10 Rev. 6, and offer testing of light electric vehicles (LEV) according to ECE-R136.

Traction battery type approval for North America

The U.S. National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed vehicle standards requirements consistent with U.S. law. More than 50 individual Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) address a wide variety of automotive systems and components.

FMVSS 305, electric-powered vehicles: electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection, is the FMVSS to which manufacturers of xEV battery systems must self-certify. Self-certification to the requirements of FMVSS 305 must be based on credible test data. TÜV SÜD conducts the rigorous testing necessary to verify compliance.

Traction battery type approval for China

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued three national standards for xEVs and their batteries. The standards represent an effort by China’s authorities to more closely align the country’s requirements with international regulations and standards. This includes the UNECE’s Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No 20, Electric Vehicle Safety.

The mandatory standards are:

• GB 18384-2020, which addresses safety requirements for xEVs.

• GB 38032-2020, which addresses safety requirements for electric buses.

• GB 38031-2020, which addresses traction battery safety requirements for xEV batteries and battery systems, exclusively focusing on battery cells and packs.

In China, the xEV battery homologation process requires the use of a third-party testing laboratory that has been recognised by the MIIT, such as TÜV SÜD.

Traction battery type approval for other major automotive markets

South Korea

South Korea requires OEMs of xEV batteries and battery systems to test their products to verify compliance with the battery pack testing requirements of the relevant Korean Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (KMVSS). The resulting test report is then used to support the certification of the xEV by Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA).

Thailand

Thailand uses a type approval process for the review and approval of automotive components. The country’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) has adopted UNECE regulations as the standard with which manufacturers and importers should comply to obtain the DLT Automotive Certification T-Mark. This is required to legally market and sell automotive components in Thailand.