Reducing test duration for EV mileage per charge — Preparation and evaluation of new testing methodology

Measuring mileage per charge (range) of Electric Vehicles takes long time in the Japanese type approval test. In order to reduce the test duration, existing test cycle: JC08 mode was modified. “Condensed JC08 mode” was prepared as a modified test cycle. This test cycle has almost the same load or energy consumption as JC08 mode and its testing duration can be reduced to three-quarters of that of JC08. It was validated with two types of Electric Vehicles. The range measured with the condensed JC08 mode almost agreed with the range measured with JC08 mode (error less than 3%). It indicated the potential that the condensed JC08 mode will be used as an option. Additionally, prospective test procedures, “Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP)” were also modified for reducing test duration. The test procedure modification including range estimate method allowed to reduce the number of full depleting tests from two t o one. It corresponds to saving one day in the type approval test. The range determined by using range estimate method agreed with the range measured with the original test procedures (error less than 3%).