High Precision in Situ Structural Deflection Mapping in Commercial Battery Testing Tooling
In situ deflection mapping decouples test tooling flexure from cell swelling to restore true electrochemical capacity and volumetric degradation profiles.
IEC 62660-2 Compliance
Meaning
Certification that a lithium-ion traction cell meets the international standard for reliability and abuse testing establishes a baseline of safety for electric vehicle applications. This performance standard, known as IEC 62660-2 compliance, governs the test procedures used to evaluate the cell’s response to thermal, mechanical and electrical stress. It defines the limits of acceptable cell behavior during testing to ensure the safety of the end-user.
The standard applies to traction cells designed for use in electric vehicle propulsion systems, ensuring they withstand mechanical and environmental shock.
Reliability Evaluation
The testing regimen includes thermal abuse, overcharge and mechanical shock tests to evaluate the cell’s safety envelope. To achieve IEC 62660-2 compliance, the cell must withstand these harsh conditions without exploding or catching fire. Sourcing teams rely on this testing to screen out cells that pose a high risk of catastrophic failure during operation.
This evaluation is a critical step in the supplier qualification process.
Sourcing Metric
Automotive manufacturers require cell suppliers to provide certificates of compliance before entering into supply agreements. This documentation proves that the cell has been tested by an independent laboratory and meets the international safety standards. IEC 62660-2 compliance is often used as a key sourcing metric to differentiate between suppliers of varying quality levels.
Having this certification reduces the manufacturer’s liability and ensures the safety of their products.
Market Requirement
Meeting this international standard is necessary for entering major global markets such as Europe and Asia. Regulatory bodies in these regions often require traction cells to meet IEC 62660-2 compliance to be approved for use in vehicles. Sourcing teams must ensure that their cell suppliers can meet these requirements to avoid costly market entry delays.
This compliance is therefore an essential requirement for any manufacturer looking to build electric vehicles on a global scale.