STMicroelectronics has released high-power modules for electric vehicles that boost performance and driving range. ST’s new silicon-carbide (SiC) power modules have been selected for Hyundai’s E-GMP electric vehicle platform shared by KIA EV6 and several models. Five new SiC-MOSFET based power modules provide flexible choices for vehicle makers, covering a selection of power ratings and support for […]
EV Engineering
Cars powered solely by solar energy? Sure…but with a very big “but”
Lately, I’m seeing a lot of cases where solar power is posited as the energy solution for “everything.” And why not? It’s free and ubiquitous, and it feels good to say you are using it. I recently read a column by someone (sorry, I couldn’t find it afterward) about the easy practicality of cars powered […]
Good luck selling a used EV
Leland Teschler • Executive Editor There were some interesting developments at the recent and aptly named Battery Show near Detroit for those who follow battery technology. One in particular came from the Michigan-based Our Next Energy (ONE). The firm released details about a 240-Ah prismatic cell battery it has designed and which is said to […]
Design tips for high-voltage protection in EVs and hybrids
The primary goal of EV protective circuits: Keep vehicle occupants safe day-to-day and first-responders protected if the worst happens. Michael Zimmermann, Littelfuse, Inc. The 12-V automotive battery may become a relic of the past as electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars gain market share. EVs and hybrid vehicles use battery packs of at least 500-V […]
Protecting fast EV charging stations
Several standards dictate safety measures that fast charging stations must employ. Philippe Di Fulvio, Littelfuse, Inc. An estimated 5.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) were on the road in 2020. By 2025, the expectation is that over 24 million EVs will be in use. A significant limitation to wider EV adoption is the public charging infrastructure […]
Talk of EV fires still smolders
Leland Teschler • Executive Editor lteschler@wtwhmedia.com On Twitter @ DW_LeeTeschler The latest figures from the National Fire Protection Association show that only about 20% of all vehicle fires arise from problems in the vehicle electrical system—most fires have something to do with the fuel system. Seeing as electric vehicles will do away with problematic petrol, […]
EV technology goes industrial: Scenes from the Battery Show
Attendees of this year’s Battery Show in Novi, Mich., could be excused for not knowing what to expect on the show floor as trade events start to come back from a year-and-a-half hiatus. The above clip gives a glimpse of what the experience was like. Aside from the occasional mask wearer, it seemed like business […]
Battery pack protection keeps EVs on the road
A few best practices for handling transients and over-currents help make electronic drivetrains more reliable. James Colby • Littelfuse, Inc. Automotive market analysts predict that by 2025, high-end vehicles will contain more than $6,000 in electronic components. Most of these advanced electronics will be in the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs). To ensure robust, […]
Powering EVs with silicon carbide
A flyback converter/isolated-gate-driver combo reduces the cost and complexity of implementing SiC FET designs in EV systems. Charlie Ice, Silicon Labs Electric vehicles are pushing the limits of today’s power conversion technology, and the advent of high-power silicon-carbide (SiC) FETs has pushed the envelope even further. The many advantages of SiC FETs allow for higher […]
Hybrid EVs come to touring car racing
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2022 will become the first major touring car event to feature high-performance mild-hybrid vehicles. The BTCC is for production-based touring cars and consists of a series of races held across England and Scotland. Race teams compete in highly modified versions of cars sold to the general public. Next […]
