Overview
ISO 21498-1:2021 outlines the electrical specifications and test requirements for voltage class B systems and components in electrically propelled road vehicles. This international standard, developed by ISO, is focused on defining voltage sub-classes and their characteristics for DC circuits within voltage class B electric propulsion and auxiliary systems. The document aims to facilitate harmonized component design, reduce system complexity, and improve compatibility among electric vehicle (EV) components by standardizing voltage classifications and related operating parameters.
Voltage class B systems, covering DC voltages greater than 60 V and up to 1,500 V, are widely used in the propulsion and auxiliary systems of electric vehicles. By specifying voltage sub-classes and operational characteristics, ISO 21498-1:2021 lays a foundation for system interoperability, cost optimization, and simplified design processes across the automotive industry.
Note: This standard does not address electrical safety, which is covered separately under ISO 17409 and the ISO 6469 series.
Key Topics
ISO 21498-1:2021 addresses several critical aspects related to voltage class B systems and components in electrically propelled road vehicles:
- Voltage sub-classes: Introduction of standardized sub-classes within voltage class B, facilitating tailored component and system design. These sub-classes are defined by upper DC voltage limits (e.g., 220 V, 420 V, 470 V, 750 V, 850 V, and 1,250 V).
- Component operating status: Definition of various operating statuses (OS1 to OS4) to ensure consistent behavior under different voltage conditions, such as normal operation, reduced performance, derating for self-protection, or cutoff.
- Voltage operating ranges: Specification of upper and lower voltage limits, unlimited, upper-limited, and lower-limited operating capabilities, enabling consistent vehicle and component performance.
- Handling of undervoltage and overvoltage: Guidance on how components should react during voltage deviations beyond normal operating ranges.
- Transient and ripple characteristics: Consideration of voltage transients and ripple, with recommendations for limiting and ensuring robustness to dynamic changes and periodic deviations in voltage.
Applications
The main applications of ISO 21498-1:2021 are within the design, development, and testing of electrically propelled road vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new mobility solutions that leverage electric propulsion. This standard is highly relevant for:
- Vehicle manufacturers: To ensure the compatibility and interoperability of electric powertrains and auxiliary systems across various vehicle platforms.
- Component suppliers: To design and validate products such as rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS), power electronic modules, and related subsystems according to defined voltage sub-classes.
- System integrators: To optimize cost and performance by selecting appropriate voltage sub-classes, reducing engineering and production complexity.
- Testing and certification bodies: To support the verification of compliance with standardized voltage operating parameters and component behaviors.
By applying ISO 21498-1:2021, stakeholders benefit from simplified component exchanges between vehicle models, reduced development costs, and enhanced reliability in the growing EV market.
Related Standards
For comprehensive coverage of electrically propelled vehicle systems, including safety and performance, refer to these complementary standards:
- ISO 6469 series: Electrically propelled road vehicles-Safety specifications
- ISO 17409: Electrically propelled road vehicles-Conductive power transfer-Safety requirements
- ISO/TR 8713: Electrically propelled road vehicles-Vocabulary
- ISO 21498-2: Electrically propelled road vehicles-Electrical specifications and tests for voltage class B systems and components-Part 2: Electrical tests
These standards should be considered alongside ISO 21498-1:2021 to ensure safe, reliable, and standardized electric vehicle designs and operations.
Keywords: ISO 21498-1:2021, voltage class B, electric vehicles, voltage sub-classes, component operating status, overvoltage, undervoltage, voltage transients, voltage ripple, electric propulsion systems, automotive standards.
Open preview (PDF)Electrically propelled road vehicles — Electrical specifications and tests for voltage class B systems and components — Part 1: Voltage sub-classes and characteristics
