《Electric_vehicles》.doc

Electric vehicles: The role and importance of standards in an emerging market Introduction The emerging opportunity for electric vehicles (EV) to revolutionize both the transportation sector and related techno- logical and infrastructure systems over the next 5 to 10 years is immense. In particular, multiple drivers are now lining up to support broad-based adoption of the EV, while new and emerging technologies offer the potential to establish the EV as part of a two-way electricity system, connecting vehicles with the elec- trical grid through the homes, commercial establishments or other facilities where the EV may be recIn order for there to be a smooth transition to a future where the EV is a viable transportation option, where there are changes in technologies and infrastructure in terms of the linkage of the EV with the electrical grid, and that these processes occur in a way that protects the environment, there will need to be a host of changes in regulatory environments, operating practices, as well as the training and education of related vocations and practi- tioners. This article investigates the role of codes, standards and related training and certification in this respect. In particular, we outline and emphasize the importance of standardization in fostering and enabling the adoption of the EV and related technologies and identify areas where adaptations of existing standardization or new standardization may be needed . Prospects for the electric vehicle in the coming decades In 2008 there were less than 500,000 hybrid vehicles sold worldwide, with the market for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) still limited to conversions of current technologies or high-end vehicles manufactured by specialty producers. Although currently the EV in its entirety represents a very small proportion of the total number of passenger vehicles in most jurisdictions, it is widely expected that the EV will experience rapid growth over the coming dec