The electric vehicle test facility (EVTF), operated by Electrotek Concepts, Inc., serves as a major research center to evaluate electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and EV-component systems. Activities have included: (1) detailed performance testing of prototype and pre-production evs; (2) cursory testing and technology evaluation of EVs; (3) roadability testing/consumer acceptance of EVs; (4) in-vehicle comparative life testing of different near-term battery types; (5) testing of ancillary systems such as battery pack thermal management systems, central-point watering, gas management, state-of-charge metering, and EV field test data acquisition systems; (6) battery charger testing, including characterization of rapid recharge pulse-current systems and their effect on battery life; (7) power quality testing of EV/utility interface; (8) magnetic field testing inside and outside the vehicle; and (9) testing of advanced battery systems such as sodium-sulfur (Na/S) batteries in EVs. Results of these evaluations provide information to fleet operators and users on which to base purchasing decisions. (A)
Samenvatting