ISO 18243:2017/Amd 1:2020

Overview

ISO 18243:2017/Amd 1:2020 is an important amendment to the international standard addressing electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles, specifically targeting test specifications and safety requirements for lithium-ion battery systems. Developed by ISO's Technical Committee ISO/TC 22 and Subcommittee SC 38, in collaboration with CEN/TC 301, this amendment ensures the evolving safety protocols keep pace with advancements in lithium-ion battery technologies used in electric two-wheelers.

This standard is critical for manufacturers, testing agencies, and safety regulators involved in the design, validation, and market approval of electric mopeds and motorcycles powered by lithium-ion batteries. It focuses on ensuring battery safety through rigorous test procedures in order to prevent hazards such as leakage, rupture, fire, or explosion during over-discharge scenarios.

Key Topics

• Battery Control Unit (BCU) Response
  The amendment mandates that the BCU must automatically interrupt over-discharge current by disconnecting the main contactors or electronic switches. This automatic protection is crucial for preventing severe damage to the battery system under stress conditions.

• Safety Test Requirements
  Updated test protocols require the battery system to show no evidence of leakage, rupture, fire, or explosion when subjected to over-discharge tests. Compliance with these tests is essential to certify the safety of lithium-ion battery systems in electric two-wheelers.

• Isolation Resistance Standards
  For the voltage class B devices under test (DUT), the battery system must maintain an isolation resistance of at least 100 Ω/V throughout testing. This ensures electrical safety and integrity in real-world operating conditions.

• Harmonization and Collaboration
  The standard reflects close cooperation between ISO and CEN, aligning international safety requirements with industry best practices and facilitating global harmonization.

Applications

• Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
  Manufacturers of electric mopeds and motorcycles use ISO 18243:2017/Amd 1:2020 to design battery management and protection systems compliant with internationally recognized safety benchmarks.

• Quality Assurance and Testing
  Testing laboratories and certification bodies apply this standard’s protocols to evaluate battery safety, preventing hazardous failures before products reach the market.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Government agencies incorporate these updated safety requirements to set mandatory regulations for electric two-wheelers, advancing consumer protection and accident prevention.

• Research and Development
  Engineers and researchers developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries and battery control units benefit from the clear performance criteria and testing methodologies specified in the amendment.

Related Standards

• ISO 18243:2017 – The original full standard covering lithium-ion battery safety test specifications for electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 & 2 – Guidelines that describe the procedures and editorial rules used in drafting ISO standards, relevant for understanding the development context of amendments.

• ISO 13849 and ISO 26262 – Standards that address functional safety of electrical systems in vehicles, complementary to battery safety.

• IEC 62660 Series – International standards for lithium-ion battery performance and safety testing in electric vehicles more broadly.

Ensuring compliance with ISO 18243:2017/Amd 1:2020 supports the production of safer electric two-wheelers equipped with lithium-ion battery systems, aligning industry practices with global safety demands and fostering consumer trust in electric mobility solutions.