Inficon Publishes White Paper on Electric Vehicles

Inficon, , a market leader in the field of development of leak-detection equipment for the auto industry, has published a white paper on how important it is to perform leak testing of electric-vehicle (EV) battery systems.

Titled, “Electric Cars: Requirements and Leak Testing Methods for Assuring Quality” , the white paper states that batteries can be potentially dangerous and are critical-wear parts on electric vehicles.

Commenting on the paper, Thomas Parker, INFICON’s North American automotive sales manager said that the market for electric vehicles is expanding and in order to maintain a positive reputation for EVs, automakers should not only offer longer driving ranges and shorter charging times but should also ensure that the vehicles provide safe, high-quality drive technology. Leak testing will go a long way towards achieving quality throughout the production process from activities like battery cell manufacture to vehicle assembly.

When it comes to electric vehicles, many consumers are not willing to spend large amounts to replace a traction battery after they have used it for a few years. On the other hand, they definitely do not want to have a vehicle fire. This is why automotive manufacturers need to incorporate suitable leak-detection processes into their production operations. Electrolytes used in the battery cells should never be allowed to escape or to come into contact with water or humidity. Such leaks can create a ‘thermal runaway’ which can trigger an explosion or a fire that can reach temperatures up to 1,100 degrees Centigrade.”

Inficon’s white paper gives a concise summary of EV leak testing requirements, appropriate leak detection methods and also outlines how to select the correct test methodology for specific applications. It also details the precautions that should be taken when leak testing components of electric vehicles.

“Testing for component leaks that might allow water to come into contact with battery-cell electrolytes at any time during the production process is especially important,” Parker concluded. “Water is like Kryptonite for today’s EV battery.”