As the commercial electric vehicles (EVs) industry expands, the demand for highly reliable and durable thermal management systems has never been greater. These systems play a critical role in ensuring that commercial EVs can operate efficiently and safely under extreme conditions. To meet these demands, thermal management system manufacturers must prioritize environmental testing to ensure the performance and longevity of their products. ISO 16750, an international standard, is central to this effort by providing the guidelines for testing the environmental durability of vehicle components. This blog will explore the core aspects of ISO 16750, its relevance to thermal management systems in commercial EVs, and how manufacturers, like Modine, ensure compliance to deliver the highest standards of performance and reliability.

What is ISO 16750?

ISO 16750 is a comprehensive international standard that provides environmental testing criteria for electrical and electronic components used in road vehicles. For thermal management system manufacturers, this standard is critical as it ensures that key electrical components used in the system – such as compressors, heaters, fans, pumps, and valves – are rigorously tested to withstand a wide range of environmental challenges.  These can include temperature extremes, humidity, vibrations, mechanical stresses, and chemical exposure, which are all part of the demanding operational conditions faced by commercial EVs.

ISO 16750 breaks down its requirements into four main specifications, each addressing different aspects of environmental testing:

• ISO 16750 -2: Electrical testing
• ISO 16750 -3: Environmental testing
• ISO 16750 -4: Climatic testing
• ISO 16750 -5: Chemical testing

These specifications are further detailed with technical tables that outline the necessary testing criteria based on component type, environmental conditions, and use cases. Based on these technical tables, an ISO 16750 code is generated, ensuring that the components meet the required testing criteria for durability and performance.

Why ISO 16750 is Essential for Thermal Management Systems in Commercial EVs?

1. Enhanced Component Reliability: Thermal management systems in commercial EVs must perform reliably across a wide range of environmental conditions. For instance, a thermal system’s components need to function properly in extreme cold, high humidity, or high vibrations—common in commercial vehicle operations. ISO 16750 ensures that these components are robust enough to handle these challenges, reducing the risk of unexpected failures that could lead to costly downtime or repairs.
2. Operational Safety: Commercial EVs are used in a variety of demanding environments, and safety is paramount. By adhering to ISO 16750, manufacturers can ensure that the components in their thermal management systems are rigorously tested for reliability, minimizing the risk of component malfunctions that could result in safety hazards. For example, a malfunctioning fan or pump could cause temperature-related issues that affect the performance of the vehicle or even lead to hazardous situations.
3. Compliance with Standards: Compliance with ISO 16750 is often a standard in many global markets. For thermal management system manufacturers, meeting these standards is essential for gaining market approval and avoiding complications. It ensures that manufacturers can navigate the complex landscape of international standards without facing fines, product recalls, or legal challenges.
4. Market Competitiveness: As commercial EVs continue to grow in popularity, the competition among thermal management system manufacturers becomes fiercer. ISO 16750 compliance serves as a mark of quality and reliability. Manufacturers who can demonstrate adherence to this standard gain a competitive edge by showcasing their commitment to producing durable and high-performance systems that meet the industry’s highest standards.

How Modine Ensures ISO 16750 Compliance in its Thermal Management Systems

At Modine, we understand the critical role that thermal management systems play in the performance and longevity of commercial EVs. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that our EVantage™ Thermal Management Systems fully comply with ISO 16750. Here’s how we achieve that:

1. Understand Requirements: Modine’s engineering team is well-versed in the specific requirements of ISO 16750, particularly in the context of commercial electric vehicles and their unique environmental challenges. This deep knowledge ensures that all critical components are tested under the right conditions.
2. Testing Infrastructure: Modine is continuously investing in state-of-the-art testing equipment to meet ISO 16750 standards through strategic partnerships with leading providers. This includes advanced environmental chambers, vibration test systems, and mechanical stress testing setups, all tailored for electric vehicle components to simulate real-world conditions.
3. Develop Testing Protocols: Detailed testing protocols have been created at Modine to align with ISO 16750 requirements. These protocols comprehensively cover all relevant environmental conditions and testing methodologies, ensuring each component is thoroughly evaluated for durability and performance.
4. Documentation and Reporting: Modine maintains thorough documentation of testing procedures, results, and any deviations from the standard. These records are critical for proving compliance to regulatory bodies and for ensuring that components are reliable before being deployed in production vehicles.
5. Continuous Improvement: This commitment to continuous improvement ensures ongoing compliance, enhances product quality, and keeps Modine’s systems at the forefront of commercial EV thermal management.

For thermal management system manufacturers in the commercial EV sector, ISO 16750 is a vital standard for ensuring the reliability, safety, and longevity of components. At Modine, we take this responsibility seriously by investing in state-of-the-art testing infrastructure, developing comprehensive testing protocols, and ensuring ongoing compliance with ISO 16750. Our EVantage Thermal Management Systems are designed to deliver superior performance, durability, and safety for commercial EVs, providing fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers with the confidence they need to succeed in the growing electric vehicle market.