"AI-Based Battery Condition Assessment" Korea's Diagnostic System Aims for International Standardization

Korea Transportation Safety Authority to Develop EV Battery Analysis Technology
Visualized Reports to Be Provided
International Standardization Efforts Planned for Next Year

A management system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assess the condition of electric vehicle (EV) batteries will be introduced. While domestic and international companies and certification agencies are already able to check battery status, this is the first time a public system will be established to extensively collect data from vehicles actually in operation. This initiative is expected not only to enhance EV safety, but also to contribute to resource circulation, such as the reuse of batteries after their initial use, which is anticipated to become increasingly important in the future.

On August 12, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced that it would begin work to establish an AI-based EV battery management system. If the schedule proceeds as planned, a draft will be released by the end of this year, to be reviewed by domestic and international experts. The goal is to begin standardization efforts on the international stage starting next year.

The state of health (SoH) of an EV battery is considered a key factor directly linked to vehicle performance. However, until now, inspection results have remained at the level of measured values, making it difficult for drivers to understand their actual significance.

Connecting a diagnostic tool during the electric vehicle inspection process and explaining the results. Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority.

An official from the Authority explained, "Private equipment mainly targets laboratory data or operational data from a small number of vehicles. In contrast, the Authority’s diagnostic tool for inspection (KADIS) continuously collects real-world data from registered EVs across the nationwide inspection network according to standardized procedures, which distinguishes it from what is done in the private sector."

Accordingly, the Authority has chosen to analyze the battery health of vehicles using information from the battery management system (BMS) collected during vehicle inspections. In addition, the Authority plans to develop precise diagnostic and predictive modeling using more than 20 items collected from EV inspection results, including driving distance, charge and discharge history, battery voltage, current, temperature, insulation resistance, and SoH status. In this process, statistical and AI techniques such as regression analysis, clustering, and machine learning will be used to detect anomalies and predict future conditions.

The plan is to conduct comparative analyses among similar vehicles with the same model, year, and comparable mileage. The Authority will also establish a system that provides EV drivers with intuitive reports on battery degradation, including information needed for maintenance timing and preventive costs. Furthermore, a standard report based on battery inspection results will be created and shared with manufacturers, maintenance professionals, and policy institutions.

The Authority stated, "By introducing an AI-based diagnostic system, it will be possible to conduct preemptive inspections before battery performance deteriorates, thereby preventing accidents such as breakdowns or fires. It is also expected to be used as a reference for assessing residual battery value in used car transactions." The Authority anticipates that this will also increase social value by encouraging improved charging and discharging habits for EVs and by providing criteria for evaluating the performance of used batteries.

Example of Electric Vehicle Battery Health State Modeling. Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority

The management system currently being prepared is scheduled to be officially unveiled at the CITA Asia Inspection Experts Meeting in November. The Authority plans to gather feedback from domestic and international experts to enhance both the technical and institutional completeness of the system. Furthermore, starting in 2026, the Authority will propose the creation of a new working group within CITA dedicated to EV battery performance diagnostics. Attention is focused on whether Korea will be able to take the lead in establishing global inspection standards for EV battery state and performance diagnostics.

Jung Yongshik, President of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, stated, "Providing battery diagnostic information based on EV inspection results is more than just a technological advancement; it is an essential element for creating a safe and sustainable mobility ecosystem."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.