Industry to define standards that will give more “gas” to hybrid electric cars

	Testing of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
	Copyright: Argonne National Laboratory

Geneva, Switzerland, 2008-02-27 – Experts from around the world are starting work on a new technical standard that will help to develop more power for hybrid electric cars.

The technology behind this development is the electric double layer capacitor  – a component that can store electric charge that can be released when the drive in the hybrid electric car needs the high power boost for acceleration. These capacitors can also receive electric charge when the car brakes, regenerating energy that would otherwise be lost. The double layer capacitors are colloquially called “super-capacitors”, as their capacity is measured in thousands of farads whereas common capacitors are just in the order of microfarads.

The experts, who are part of the IEC’s specialist group on electric vehicles, aim to circulate the draft standard on these capacitors for public comment in the fourth quarter of this year, with the finalized standard scheduled for publication in some 12 months later. The IEC is a Geneva-based international standards setting body responsible for standards covering all electrical, electronic and related technologies, which works closely with its sister organization, ISO, in the development of standards for the motor industry.

Commenting on the potential for the technology in hybrid electric cars, Dr. Peter Van den Bossche, IEC project leader from the Erasmus University College in Brussels, Belgium, said: “Although the energy density of capacitors is quite low compared to batteries, their excellent power characteristics are their main value – providing ‘bursts’ of electric energy that can help these new generation of cars to accelerate at comparable or better rates than traditional petrol-only engine vehicles, while achieving a significantly reduced fuel consumption.”

While the double layer capacitors are already making their appearance in hybrid electric vehicles on the market, the publication of the international standard is an important step in the effort to transfer technology between developed and developing countries through the IEC’s work.

Double layer capacitors are also used for other applications including elevators and lifting gear, where their use can lead to energy savings.

About IEC
IEC is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization comprising 147 countries that develops international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC Standards cover a vast range of technologies including power generation, home appliances and office equipment, solar and marine energy and nanotechnologies.

 Note to journalists:
The full work programme of IEC Technical Committee 69 together with contact details for experts participating in its work is available from the TC 69 dashboard. Peter Van den Bossche, the expert cited, is also available for questions.