Prodrive cuts battery-pack weight

News

A new approach to the configuration of DC-DC converters could help reduce the cost, weight and size of electric-vehicle battery packs.

The system was developed by a consortium led by technology consultancy Prodrive to address the spiralling costs of energy storage.

Its solution substantially increases the voltage available at the traction motors.

Electric motors require a wider speed range to improve efficiency.

Speed is proportional to voltage so electric vehicles and hybrids are progressing from 300 to 600V systems.

The increase in voltage has presented significant challenges for engineers because battery chemistry dictates the voltage per cell.

By doubling the voltage with the same battery chemistry, one must double the number of cells and incur massive cost, weight and packaging penalties.

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