As the drivetrain is becoming increasingly electric, new focus points emerge. A key differentiator for the electric vehicle (EV) architectures of the future will be battery and e-motor cooling through thermal management, that can combat the heat emitted through fast charging.1 Higher voltage systems (>400V) also allow for higher efficiency as well as reduced charging time.2 Furthermore, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction in electric vehicles will be one of the defining landmarks of perceived product quality for car manufacturers.3 To effectively control all drivetrain products, smart propulsion components offer an advantage in their data collection and evaluation. These can not only reduce the driver’s work steps but can also make driving more pleasant.
Challenges of vehicle powernet systems today, such as ever-increasing number of low voltage consumers like cameras or stricter safety requirements, are forcing OEMs to adapt. Their established 12V architectures need to be advanced into smart and powerful distribution networks.4 There is also the need for Vehicle-to-X (V2X) technology, which can be used to discharge a battery back to the grid. This 'storage on wheels' would be able to decrease the cost of EV ownership and need for infrastructure upgrades.5
Sources: 1 Automotiveworld.com | 2 cordis.europa.eu | 3 unicous.com 2022 | 4 FIBRES | 5 openenergi.com