International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA and Tau Motors, a provider of software-defined power conversion, are collaborating on the development of a virtually isolated onboard charger (viOBC) for electric vehicles (EVs), with series production targeted within the next two to three years.
Comparison of the virtually isolated onboard charger (viOBC) to a traditional onboard charger. The viOBC offers industry defining power density, efficiency, and scale through its use of software-defined power electronics.
The viOBC eliminates the need for a transformer, reducing weight and installation space requirements while achieving high power density and efficiency.
Despite its transformer-less design, the charger maintains galvanic isolation between the ac grid and the dc vehicle system through a combination of hardware and software safety measures.
By reaching a power density of up to 7 kW per liter, the viOBC can cut space requirements by as much as half and reduce weight by roughly a third compared to conventional solutions.
The design achieves more than 98% charging efficiency, supporting vehicle-to-grid integration and grid-supporting virtual power plant functions. These characteristics contribute to improved energy management and reduced operating costs for EVs.
A viOBC prototype has successfully completed concept testing, confirming technical feasibility and commercial viability.
In this partnership, FORVIA HELLA contributes expertise in high-voltage and power electronics along with industrialization capabilities, while Tau Motors provides its software-defined technology platform and product design expertise. HELLA Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, has also invested in Tau as part of the cooperation.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News