Valence Technology Inc. has received confirmation from approvals agency Applus+ IDIADA, Spain, of passing its recent ECE R100 Revision 2 testing on their U-Charge U27 range of lithium ion batteries.

ECE R100 Revision 2 type approval is now required on new electric vehicle types entering service in Europe. These tests include vibration testing, thermal shock testing, fire resistance (immersion in fuel fire), over temperature, over charge and over discharge testing.

In addition Valence has performed the testing for this new regulation, where possible, at the module level without the inclusion of the Valence Battery Management System (BMS), which provides system level protection through contactors and other safety devices.

Passing these tests without a BMS present for system protection fully demonstrates the inherent safety of Valence’s U-Charge modules. This result provides clear and conclusive evidence of the safety and suitability of the Valence U-Charge lithium ion battery modules for the rigors of commercial EV applications.

Valence has completed this most challenging series of tests to help our customers through the arduous ECE R100 Revision 2 type approvals for battery powered vehicles. This testing negates the need for the vehicle manufacturer to repeat any of these tests during their final sign off with IDIADA which dramatically reduces OEM time to market, no matter where they are located in Europe.

This testing negates the need for the vehicle manufacturer to repeat any of these tests during their final sign off with IDIADA.

Applus+ IDIADA offers design, testing, engineering, and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide.

Klaus Kersting, senior approvals manager at IDIADA, said: “We at IDIADA believe this recent achievement by the Valence team is testament to the safety, durability, long life and robust product developed by Valence over the past decade.

“The approach taken by Valence to approve at the module level instead of the pack level is an innovative and unique way to give their customers maximum flexibility at minimal cost. We are proud to have partnered with Valence through this process and now look forward to working closely their customers to certify their vehicles.”

ECE R100 Revision 2 type approval is now required on new electric vehicle types entering service in Europe.

Brian Dargan, managing director at Valence Technology, said: “These tests demonstrate the inherent safety of Valence’s proprietary chemistry and battery module design. We trust that existing and new customers alike will see the benefit through reduced testing costs and will give our customers confidence to use Valence in all types of commercial EV applications.”