Managing Greater Product Complexity
Compared to the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, an EV requires on average 80% fewer parts. Yet, there are key components which add to the complexity of its design, one being the battery. The battery poses several challenges, as it determines the vehicle’s driving range, charging capacity, safety, and cost—key factors that greatly influence consumers’ decision to purchase. Manufacturers must take these features into consideration as they look to optimize the EV design and attract new buyers.
Consumers are also wanting to accessorize their EVs with a wide range of smart, connected features such as self-driving technology, voice assistants, and adaptive cruise control with lane assist. To meet these demands and stand out from the competition, manufacturers must manage more sophisticated designs with the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Achieving Regulatory Compliance
As the adoption of electric transportation becomes more widespread and new EV technologies emerge, global regulations are being established to ensure product reliability and address environmental impact.
Safety and Information Security
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have published several standards, including ISO 6469, to enforce protection against electrical hazards and system failures. Guidelines for information security management (i.e., ISO/IEC 27000) have also been introduced to address the Internet of Things (IoT), charging infrastructure, and other underlying technologies that may pose cybersecurity or privacy risks.
Charging and Communication
ISO 15118 provides protocols for bidirectional communication between the EV and charging station so that drivers can simply plug in the vehicle and charge without having to worry about cards, apps, or PINs for authentication and billing. Additionally, the different modes for EV conductive charging systems are outlined in IEC 61851.