The evolution of electrically propelled vehicle technology and the multidisciplinary challenge for standardization and regulation

The electrically propelled vehicle (this term encompasses battery-electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles) can be considered as a device uniting several technologies: Automotive construction, mechanical drives, electric drives, power electronics, batteries, fuel cells, compressed gas storage, etc. In the case of the electrically propelled vehicle, where automotive and electrical technologies meet, special considerations have to be taken to come to an efficient standardization scene; the interaction with vehicle regulations, which are legal documents related to vehicle type approval, has also to be taken into account here. The electrotechnical industry has a strong tradition of standardization which has given rise to a specific culture and approach to standardization matters. For practical and historical reasons, different traditions are present in the automotive industry. The paper gives an overview of the evolution in this domain, with a view towards further developments such as new drive train topologies and fuel cells.