Overview
IEC 63118-1:2024 is an international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines general requirements and test methods for 12 V lithium-ion secondary batteries used in automotive applications. These batteries are specifically designed for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) functions as well as auxiliary purposes in road vehicles, excluding propulsion systems like those in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The standard ensures consistent performance and reliability of lithium-ion batteries that are permanently installed in vehicles for essential non-propulsion functions.
This crucial document focuses on evaluation through electrical characteristic tests and life duration tests to certify battery performance under operating conditions relevant to automotive SLI and auxiliary use cases.
Key Topics
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Scope and Application
The standard applies to 12 V lithium-ion secondary batteries installed in vehicles to power internal combustion engine starting, lighting, stop/start functions, on-board auxiliary equipment, and energy regeneration systems. Batteries for electric propulsion are excluded.
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Performance and Testing Requirements
The document prescribes:
- Testing procedures for evaluating key electrical characteristics such as capacity, charge retention, discharge performance at low temperatures, and charge performance at cold temperatures.
- Life duration assessments including cycle endurance and floating-calendar life tests to determine battery longevity in automotive settings.
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Battery Management System (BMS) Integration
Definitions and provisions related to the BMS ensure proper battery protection against overcharge, overcurrent, overheating, and under-discharge. The standard clarifies the BMS role whether embedded within the battery or implemented in the vehicle.
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Marking and Designation
Standardized requirements for battery marking and designation facilitate clear identification of battery chemistry types and specifications for quality assurance.
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Normative References
The standard relies on key referenced documents including IEC 60050-482 for terminology, IEC 62902 for chemistry marking symbols, and ISO/IEC Guide 51 for safety considerations.
Applications
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Automotive Starting Systems
Compliant lithium-ion batteries provide reliable power for starting internal combustion engines, ensuring robust ignition performance in diverse conditions.
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Lighting and Auxiliary Equipment
These batteries deliver consistent electrical supply for vehicle lighting systems and auxiliary functions such as infotainment, sensors, and braking energy recuperation.
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Stop-Start Functionality
Batteries meeting IEC 63118-1 standards support stop-start technology by enabling rapid engine re-starts and energy efficiency improvements in modern vehicles.
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Energy Absorption in Regenerative Braking
The standard accommodates batteries used in capturing and storing braking energy to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in hybrid systems.
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Replacement Batteries
The document also governs the requirements for replacement batteries installed in vehicles, assuring compatibility and performance equivalence to original equipment.
Related Standards
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IEC 63057: Covers safety aspects specifically related to lithium-ion batteries in automotive applications, complementing performance requirements in IEC 63118-1.
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IEC 60050-482: Provides fundamental electrotechnical vocabulary essential for clear communication of terms and definitions related to secondary cells and batteries.
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IEC 62902: Establishes marking and identification symbols for battery chemistries, supporting standardized labeling practices.
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ISO/IEC Guide 51: Offers guidelines on safety aspects necessary for inclusion in standards, ensuring holistic coverage of battery safety protocols.
Practical Value
IEC 63118-1:2024 enables automotive manufacturers, battery producers, and testing laboratories to adopt a harmonized approach to specify, evaluate, and certify 12 V lithium-ion batteries for non-propulsion applications. Compliance with this standard supports product reliability, improves vehicle safety, and enhances consumer confidence. It provides a framework for:
- Designing batteries tailored to automotive electrical demands
- Assessing battery performance in temperature extremes relevant to vehicle operation
- Guaranteeing battery longevity through well-defined endurance testing
- Ensuring proper system integration via battery management requirements
- Facilitating market acceptance through standardized testing and marking
Overall, IEC 63118-1 advances the adoption of lithium-ion technology in automotive electrical systems by defining robust testing methodologies and general specifications critical for performance, durability, and standardized communication across the automotive supply chain.