First Safety Regulations for EV Components Drafted

In a segment of the auto industry where just about everything, from the vehicles themselves to the infrastructure to serve them are being built from scratch, a set of safety rules to be applied to EVs is the last thing on manufacturers' minds.

Still, British safety, testing and certification specialist Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced it has devised a new set of rules for "indoor/outdoor cord sets for electric vehicles." This set is the first in a long line to come from UL, with the first set of rules for EV batteries to be drafted in the near future.

"The introduction of safety standards for electric vehicle components gives UL opportunities to collaborate with automotive manufacturers and influence design and development across the global electric vehicle industry," Gary Savin, UL general manager said in a release.

The new standard for electric cords will look into stationary and portable cord sets, attached plug, flexible power cord, personnel protection circuitry, electric vehicle cable and vehicle connector. Those who pass the test will wear the UL Mark, meaning they have been tested for overload protection, shock and flammability.

"The steady increase in electric vehicle production and consumer acceptance will have tremendous benefits for the global economy and worldwide carbon footprint, but safety should be considered as new concepts are introduced," Savin concluded.

A new set of standards and regulations are needed because, according to research conducted by Pike Research, the number of EV charging stations will reach one million by 2015 in the US, with five million EVs on the road five years later.