An electromagnetic compatibility testing facility for vehicles was launched Jan. 22 at Taiwan’s government-backed Automotive Research and Testing Center in Lukang, Changhua County.
The plant provides EMC testing for components, systems and whole vehicles, the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs said. With more electronic gear such as GPS, event data recorders and intelligent transport systems in cars, and the rapid growth in smart electric vehicles, such testing is vital to prevent electromagnetic interference that could cause minor nuisances such as erratic windshield wiper movement or more serious problems including engine or brake failure, the ministry added.
“This first-class platform, in line with international standards, links domestic and global automotive manufacturers, offers all levels of testing, and helps government agencies ensure safety and quality,” MOEA Minister Shih Yen-shiang said. “It will raise the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s automakers through integrated services encompassing R&D, inspection, upgrading and marketing.”
The market value of electronic vehicle components in Taiwan grew from NT$56 billion (US$1.93 billion) in 2006 to NT$109.2 billion in 2012, according to the MOEA. Japan is the major destination for Taiwan’s vehicle exports, followed by emerging economies in the Middle East, as well as Australia and New Zealand, Shih said. In Russia, Yulon Group has secured a foothold with its subsidiary Luxgen Motors.
Last year 70,000 electric vehicles were exported, and the goal is to boost that figure to 200,000 in the short term, he added.
The ARTC began EMC testing on motorcycles and automotive parts in 2003, and has now been certified by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation, Germany’s TUV SUD, Spain’s Applus Idiada Automotive Technology, American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, as well as General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC.
Its results are also accepted by AB Volvo, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and PSA Peugeot Citroen, making Taiwan’s manufacturers part of the global Tier 1 supply chain, the ministry said.
The facility includes an electromagnetic anechoic chamber into which even large buses will fit, a reverberation room for small passenger cars and equipment to test the power modules of electric vehicles. (THN)