Precision Inspection System to Be Introduced for Electric Vehicle Battery Safety

Korea Transportation Safety Authority Holds Demonstration
of Electric Vehicle Inspection Equipment at Haeundae Inspection Office

The Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced that it held a demonstration meeting for the electric vehicle safety evaluation and integrated safety technology development project at the Haeundae Inspection Office on July 10.

This event was conducted as part of efforts to make it easier to apply electric vehicle inspection methods and equipment in the field, targeting electric vehicles that were due for regular inspection. The Authority is promoting a research and development project to shift electric vehicle inspections?which have so far relied mainly on visual and auditory checks?to a measurement and analysis-based approach for high-voltage battery safety management.

Three types of equipment were deployed for the demonstration research: an automatic insulation resistance tester for charging ports, a testing device for warning sounds on low-noise vehicles, and equipment for battery safety and performance testing. The automatic insulation resistance tester for charging ports can inspect all electric vehicles registered in Korea, including Tesla models. The testing device for warning sounds on low-noise vehicles analyzes performance degradation by measuring noise levels in decibels and frequency bands.

An employee at the Haeundae Inspection Office of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority is demonstrating the insulation resistance test of an electric vehicle charging port. Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority

The battery safety and performance testing equipment inspects factors such as the voltage difference between cells and module temperature during actual electric vehicle operation. It can check the battery’s state of health (SoH) without removing the battery pack. The Authority plans to conduct demonstration research on electric vehicles visiting the Haeundae Inspection Office until December.

Based on these results, the Authority intends to refine inspection equipment and methods, while also proposing revisions to the enforcement regulations for electric vehicle inspection methods under the Automobile Management Act. Jung Yongshik, President of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, stated, "In line with rapidly changing trends in automobile development, we will prioritize public safety by establishing a scientific inspection system."