The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Industry News

Yesterday, the US Underwriters Laboratories signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan to develop safety testing methodologies and requirements for power systems in electric vehicles in order to facilitate the market uptake of EVs.

According to a press release from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organisation has signed a MOU with Taiwan's globally renowned Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). In the next five years, UL and ITRI plan to develop testing methodologies for safety of electric vehicles, including charging systems (on and off-vehicle), power batteries, and electric power systems. The aim of the agreement is to help Taiwan manufacturers meet global safety standards and accelerate global market access for EVs.

“Stimulate progress and innovation” for EV market

"We expect our alliance with ITRI, the organisation that has leading R&D capabilities and strong industry ties, to accelerate Taiwan's development of electric vehicles that combine performance and security," said Gary Savin, UL's vice president and general manager of global power & controls business.

ITRI President Johnsee Lee believes that the partnership with UL will capitalise on Taiwan's excellent industrial base in car electronics. In addition, it will “stimulate progress and innovation on safety standards, product design, and testing methodologies in electric vehicles, giving Taiwan manufacturers significant enhancements for product quality and time-to-market,” he adds.

About UL and ITRI

UL is an independent product safety certification organisation that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety since 1894. Today, over 20 billion UL Marks appear on products worldwide and UL's global family of companies and network of service providers includes 68 laboratories, testing and certification facilities serving customers in 102 countries.

ITRI is a nonprofit R&D organisation engaging in applied research and technical services. Founded in 1973, ITRI has helped transforming Taiwan's economy from a labor-intensive industry to a high-tech industry. The institute’s core objective is to strengthen the technological competitiveness of Taiwan by upgrading existing industrial technology and establishing future technology.