Thermal runaway is a safety issue in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, characterized by rising temperatures and the release of flammable gases. As conventional battery management systems (BMS) often fail to provide timely warnings, gas sensing … [Read more...]
What is automotive Ethernet?
Automotive Ethernet is a physical layer standard that adapts standard Ethernet technology to the specific demands of the electric vehicle (EV) environment. This article examines how AE is evolving in-vehicle networking to meet the high-bandwidth, … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of the four main EV motor configurations
Electric vehicles (EVs) come in various horsepower ranges, and every EV model released is meant to satisfy a particular application. The applications can start from basic utility to sports utility or medium-duty applications. As such, the motor … [Read more...]
Why and how EV makers are racing to get cobalt out of their batteries?
Addressing the reliance on cobalt is a central aspect of the ongoing development of lithium-ion batteries for the electric vehicle (EV) market. The cathode is a key battery component that determines energy density, cost, and safety. Nickel-rich … [Read more...]
How are V2X and V2E reshaping EV power architecture?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming mobile power stations capable of energizing everything from camping equipment to entire buildings. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, including Vehicle-to-Equipment (V2E) applications, are changing how … [Read more...]
How do different drivetrain configurations affect EV range?
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more widespread, drivetrain configuration significantly impacts range and efficiency. This article examines the impact of single-speed and multi-speed gearboxes on EV range performance. We will examine the benefits … [Read more...]
How can anodes and battery management software minimize lithium plating in EV batteries?
Lithium plating is the deposition of metallic lithium on the surface of the anode in a lithium-ion battery. The process is considered one of the most severe aging mechanisms in these types of batteries, and it can shorten the battery’s life and … [Read more...]
How do cell formats affect EV battery size, weight, and energy density
The cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cells have different form factors, energy densities, and weights. Therefore, their use cases in electric vehicles (EVs) differ depending on the applications. This article will compare the three parameters of the … [Read more...]
Part II: What mechanical tests ensure EV battery safety and reliability?
Batteries undergo extensive testing before they are installed in electric vehicles (EVs). This article examines the various types of battery tests that ensure EV batteries remain safe and function reliably for years. It covers mechanical testing, … [Read more...]
Part I: What are the different types of tests performed on EV batteries?
Battery testing for electric vehicles (EVs) has evolved from simple charging and discharging tests to advanced systems that simulate how EVs drive on roads. Recent testing equipment monitors important electrical values, such as state-of-charge (SOC), … [Read more...]
What is cell balancing in a BMS and why is it important?
Cell balancing refers to the process of equalizing the charge across all cells in an electric vehicle (EV) battery pack, ensuring each cell charges and discharges at the same rate. The process is beneficial in a battery management system (BMS) to … [Read more...]
How electrolyte additives can extend the lifespan of EV batteries
Electrolyte additives can help extend the life of electric vehicle (EV) batteries by stabilizing the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and mitigating the adverse side reactions that cause battery degradation over time. This article focuses on how … [Read more...]
How semiconductor materials affect EV power electronics?
Different semiconductor materials have different properties that affect their thermal performance and power efficiency for electric vehicle (EV) applications. Notable material properties include bandgap energy, critical electric field, electron … [Read more...]
How do onboard chargers differ between 400 and 800-V EV architectures?
The 800-V onboard chargers (OBCs) are steadily gaining momentum for fast and ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles (EVs). However, moving from existing 400 to 800-V OBCs directly affects the choice of semiconductor devices, diode bridges, … [Read more...]
How could advances in solid-state batteries impact EV charging designs and requirements?
Batteries are a key element in electric vehicles (EVs), and there has been a lot of development in solid-state and other EV battery chemistry. This FAQ will highlight the promising materials that align with solid-state and other EV batteries, making … [Read more...]
How does ac bus-based architecture impact charging infrastructure for EVs?
The ac bus-based architecture for EV charging is a crucial component of the EV infrastructure, enabling the efficient and reliable charging of electric vehicles. This artile will discuss the pros and cons of the architecture and then will dive into a … [Read more...]