This study compares the environmental and safety certification systems for electric vehicle batteries in major countries, including the European Union, the United States, China, and Korea, and explores how these frameworks can be applied to the develo...
This study compares the environmental and safety certification systems for electric vehicle batteries in major countries, including the European Union, the United States, China, and Korea, and explores how these frameworks can be applied to the development of electric special vehicle (ESPV, Electric Specialty Purpose Vehicle) platforms. The analysis shows significant differences in legal foundations and testing standards across countries, and confirms that the absence of international mutual recognition requires manufacturers to obtain multiple certifications for global market entry. Electric special vehicles operate in diverse conditions such as logistics, sanitation, disaster response, and cold-chain transport, requiring higher levels of battery safety and environmental performance than general passenger EVs. Therefore, it is essential to integrate battery certification requirements into the early stages of platform-based design. However, this study is limited by its reliance on literature-based analysis and a lack of real-vehicle testing and empirical evaluation. Future research should incorporate battery safety testing and structural validation using demonstration vehicles to propose more practical design guidelines. In addition, since this study focuses on four countries, further research should include emerging markets such as India and Southeast Asia. In conclusion, this study highlights the need to integrate battery environmental and safety certification requirements into the development of electric special vehicle platforms. With empirical research and strategic alignment with international regulations, these efforts are expected to strengthen the global competitiveness and sustainable growth of Korea’s electric special vehicle industry.