The global competitiveness of Taiwan’s electric vehicle sector received a jolt March 1 after two central government-funded research institutions signed memorandums of understanding with U.S.-based Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
According to the deals, over the next two years UL, an international product safety testing and certification organization, will collaborate with the Automotive Research and Testing Center and the Taiwan Electric Research and Testing Center in developing 17 national standards for electric vehicles in six areas, including electrical safety, motors, batteries and charging systems.
Chen Jay-san, director-general of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, said Taiwan is well-positioned to become a key player in the global electric vehicle sector given the country’s competitive edge in information communication technology and solid components and parts supply chain.
Product testing and certification in compliance with international standards are keys to Taiwan’s efforts in this regard, the official pointed out. “The tie-up with UL represents a giant step toward that direction.”
As a leader in setting global standards for electric vehicles, UL will help the local sector develop globally accepted testing techniques to capitalize on the enormous business opportunities arising from this emerging industry, said Zhou Wei-fang, president of UL Taiwan.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, electric vehicles are an essential part of the government’s green energy promotion program, which aims to help companies generate output totaling NT$10.5 billion (US$350 million) by 2015.
