“Evolution, Not Revolution: The dawn of the EV era is changing motor testing.” Published in Assembly, February, 2022

Switching to electrified systems means adapting test processes all along the development and assembly chain. This article covers four primary areas of consideration:

• Existing test cells can be adapted to electric needs
  • In many cases, facilities can switch from testing Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) to testing electric motors and drive systems without a complete overhaul. At the end of the day, both systems convert energy into rolling motion. They measure and control torque, speed, power, flow, and temperature. And both require a way to absorb mechanical energy and simulate real-world output.
• Similar, but not the same
  • Testing electrified systems is similar to testing ICEs, but it’s not the same. Electric power trains require more precise measurement of voltage and current. While these are less critical measurements in an internal combustion test, they become high priority in an electrified test.
• New systems, new safety concerns
  • Test cells for electric motors and drives have different needs with respect to fluids, temperature, ventilation, and vibration than those for ICEs, typically requiring much less. On the other hand, electric components introduce new safety hazards in the form of high voltage, high current and battery chemistry.
• Preparing for an ever-changing future
  • Future proofing doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Read the full article here: “Evolution, Not Revolution: The Dawn of the EV Era is Changing Motor Testing.”

Learn how the EV era is changing motor testing.

See projects related to EV era and testing

View project featured in article: Electric Transmission Test Equipment