MEASUREMENT OF HYDROGEN GAS EMISSION FROM BATTERY-POWERED PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS DURING BATTERY CHARGING J1718_199704

This SAE Recommended Practice describes a procedure for measuring gaseous hydrogen emissions from the aqueous battery system of a battery-powered passenger car or light truck. The purpose of this procedure is to determine what concentrations of hydrogen gas an electric vehicle together with its charger will generate while being charged in a residential garage. Gaseous emissions are measured during a sequence of vehicle tests and laboratory tests that simulate normal and abnormal conditions during operational use. The results of this test may be used to determine whether or not forced air ventilation is required when a particular electric vehicle and its associated battery and charging system are used in a residential garage.

These are tests of the charging system which may involve components both on and off the vehicle. It is also expected that there will be a wide variety of designs to accomplish battery charging. It is therefore required that great care be exercised in the detailed execution of these tests so that their intent is preserved.

The Scope of this document is intended to cover all battery conditions which may maximize gassing. However, it does not include the testing of batteries at their end of life. It is generally accepted that aged batteries will emit more gas while charging and the achievement of the aged condition by accelerated means would be difficult to control and the test results would not be reproducible.