Deep Insight

Megawatt Charging

In 2018, the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) formed the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) Task Force to develop a robust, scalable and interoperable system for fast charging of electric heavy-duty vehicles. The goal was to meet the growing demand for fast, efficient charging of high-capacity batteries in commercial heavy-duty vehicles.

Deep Insight

Motor cooling

E-motor cooling technology is evolving rapidly, as Peter Donaldson finds out Discussions on thermal management in electric vehicles (EVs) usually focus on the battery because of the risk and potential consequences of thermal runaway. However, keeping motors comfortable in terms of temperature is also crucial to the performance, reliability, efficiency and longevity of an EV’s powertrain

Deep Insight

HIL Testing

Nick Flaherty traces the line where digital models of components meet simulation to experience a vehicle before it is even built Virtual design methodologies are increasingly being adopted in the development of e-mobility platforms – combining digital models of components with simulation to create a digital twin of an entire vehicle that can be driven before it has even been built.

Deep Insight

Isolation technologies

Nick Flaherty investigates techniques that enable digital controllers to interface safely with high-voltage systems. As automotive designs move to electrification, high-power electronics have become critical components in new electronic drivetrain and battery systems. Communication and control from low-voltage digital devices requires electrical isolation of the high-voltage elements from the low-voltage side, covered by the extra-low voltage (SELV) regulations.

Deep Insight

Cell ageing characteristics

Modelling battery cells at end of life is becoming more popular for key reasons, as Nick Flaherty reports. Accurate prediction of battery lifespan is crucial for e-mobility and involves a variety of test approaches, from thermal measurements to transmission electron microscopes. Assessing how a cell delivers power when required and how it is charged provides insights into its lifetime.

Deep Insight

End-of-line battery testing

As battery technology evolves, so the process of testing it all becomes more complex, as Peter Donaldson discovers. End-of-line (EOL) testing for EV battery packs is a critical step in ensuring their performance, safety and longevity, and that of the vehicles they power. As battery technologies evolve, so do the complexities of testing them.

Deep Insight

V2H & V2G bidirectional charging

Nick Flaherty reports on the latest innovations in bidirectional charging and their ageing effects on battery cells. Bidirectional charging allows energy to flow back and forth between an e-mobility platform such as an EV and other systems, whether that is the electricity grid, other electric equipment or even other vehicles.

Deep Insight

Harnessing hydrogen

Manufacturers are harnessing the potential of the cheaper, clean energy for shipping and aircraft, reports Nick Flaherty Fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electric power for e-mobility have a chequered past. This has been perceived as high cost, with issues when integrating it into powertrains and supplying hydrogen from pressurised tanks.

Deep Insight

Battery production technology

Peter Donaldson looks at the myriad processes enabling more efficient manufacturing of lithium ion batteries Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for e-mobility applications is a complex, costly and capital-intensive undertaking, involving multiple processes and consuming large amounts of energy and time.

Deep Insight

Battery energy density

Nick Flaherty looks at strategies to get more power out of battery cells, which brings thermal management challenges. There are many ways to boost the energy density of an e-mobility platform’s powertrain. The materials in a battery cell can be improved to produce more energy, from silicon in the anode to new electrolytes. Solid state