Meaning
International safety and performance regulation for lithium ion cells used in electric vehicles. Global automotive manufacturers follow specific guidelines to ensure that their batteries are safe and reliable for road use. The standard iec 62660 1 focuses specifically on the testing procedures for performance (such as capacity and energy efficiency).
It provides a common framework that allows buyers to compare the output of cells from different suppliers under the same conditions.
Performance Testing
Verification of the rated capacity involves discharging the cell at specific temperatures and current rates. The standard iec 62660 1 defines the exact environment and discharge curves required to certify the energy content of a cell. This consistency ensures that the range calculations for an electric vehicle are based on standardized data.
Cycle Life
Determining the longevity of a cell requires long term testing under varying thermal conditions. Applying the standard iec 62660 1 enables the measurement of capacity fade and internal resistance increase over hundreds of charge and discharge cycles. This information is essential for the warranty estimates provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
The data also helps in predicting the second life value of the battery pack after it is retired from automotive use.
Scope Boundary
External safety and abuse testing requirements fall under different regulatory documents. While the standard iec 62660 1 handles performance, other parts of the series handle the response to external shocks or electrical faults. The testing sequence identifies the limits of normal operation.