UL Solutions to establish advanced automotive EMC testing laboratory in Japan

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, is set to establish a state-of-the-art automotive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing facility in Toyota City, Japan. The new UL Solutions Automotive Technology and Innovation Center aims to support vehicle manufacturers by providing advanced electromagnetic compatibility testing to mitigate the risks posed by electromagnetic interference (EMI) in modern vehicles.

As the automotive industry rapidly transitions toward electric vehicles (EVs), connected cars, and autonomous driving technologies, the importance of electromagnetic compatibility testing has intensified. EMI can disrupt essential vehicle systems such as braking, engine control, and driver-assistance technologies, making reliable EMC testing critical for compliance with global safety regulations.

Japan, home to some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, remains a pivotal market for automotive EMC testing services. By developing this new facility in the Tokai region, a major hub for automotive innovation, UL Solutions strengthens its ability to serve both domestic automakers and international exports.

What Makes UL Solutions’ New EMC Testing Facility Unique?

UL Solutions’ upcoming facility is designed to be among Japan’s most advanced EMC laboratories, equipped to handle the increasing complexity of modern automotive electronics. The 25,000-square-foot facility will be capable of conducting high-voltage, high-current, and high-torque testing, enabling manufacturers to simulate real-world operating conditions for electronic components and vehicle systems.

The laboratory’s advanced capabilities include high-voltage chambers designed to test up to 1,500 volts and 1,000 amps, high-speed rotational testing reaching 25,000 RPM, and high-torque assessment exceeding 3,500 Nm. With vehicles incorporating a growing number of electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and wireless communication systems, the risk of electromagnetic interference affecting vehicle performance has increased significantly. EMC testing helps manufacturers comply with international regulatory frameworks such as ISO 11452, CISPR 25, and UN ECE R10, ensuring that automotive electronics meet stringent safety and performance standards.

According to Weifang Zhou, Executive Vice President of Testing, Inspection, and Certification at UL Solutions, the Toyota City EMC laboratory will enhance the company’s ability to provide cutting-edge EMC testing services. He noted that UL Solutions’ investment in Japan is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen support for automakers and component suppliers as they navigate evolving technological and regulatory landscapes.

How Does This Expansion Align with Japan’s Automotive Leadership?

Japan has long been a global powerhouse in automotive manufacturing and innovation, producing approximately 9 million vehicles in 2023—making it the world’s third-largest auto producer. As the industry shifts toward electrification and autonomous technologies, demand for automotive EMC testing services has surged.

The global automotive EMC testing market was valued at $1.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $2.7 billion by 2030, according to Market Research Guru. As Japan plays a key role in electric vehicle production and hybrid technology development, EMC testing has become an essential component of vehicle design and certification.

The new UL Solutions Automotive Technology and Innovation Center will complement Japan’s existing automotive EMC testing ecosystem, including UL Solutions’ Automotive Technology Center in Miyoshi City. This expansion will allow manufacturers to access a broader range of EMC testing capabilities in close proximity to Japan’s major auto production centers.

UL Solutions CEO Jennifer Scanlon emphasized that expanding EMC testing operations in Japan enhances the company’s ability to provide science-based, independent testing services. She stated that the strategic location of the new facility will enable domestic manufacturers and international automakers to validate next-generation vehicle technologies more efficiently.

How Does EMC Testing Impact the Future of Vehicle Safety?

As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, EMC testing plays a critical role in ensuring reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance. The transition to electric and autonomous vehicles introduces new EMC challenges, particularly due to the high-voltage electrical architectures required for EV powertrains.

EMC testing evaluates how electronic systems interact within a vehicle and their ability to function without interference from external electromagnetic fields. Without proper testing, EMI can lead to malfunctions in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), battery management systems, and autonomous navigation technologies.

In recent years, several high-profile vehicle recalls have been linked to EMI-related issues, underscoring the importance of rigorous electromagnetic compatibility testing. Automakers that invest in comprehensive EMC validation can reduce the risk of costly recalls, improve product reliability, and ensure compliance with emerging regulatory standards.

By expanding its EMC testing capabilities in Japan, UL Solutions is positioning itself as a key partner in the global automotive safety and compliance sector. The company’s Toyota City EMC laboratory will play a vital role in supporting next-generation vehicle development, ensuring that electrified and autonomous mobility solutions meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

How Does UL Solutions’ Global EMC Testing Network Support Automakers?

UL Solutions operates an extensive network of automotive EMC testing laboratories worldwide, including facilities in India, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. The addition of the Toyota City EMC laboratory will further strengthen this network, providing localized testing solutions for automakers seeking market entry in Japan and beyond.

As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, UL Solutions’ expanded EMC testing infrastructure ensures that manufacturers have access to world-class testing services that address the unique challenges of electrification, automation, and connectivity.

With construction underway, the UL Solutions Automotive Technology and Innovation Center is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. This milestone investment underscores UL Solutions’ long-term commitment to advancing automotive safety, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation in one of the world’s most influential automotive markets.