Eaton Introduces Battery Configuration Switch to Enable EV Charging Flexibility

4 October 2024

Eaton, the intelligent power management company, announced it has partnered with Munich Electrification to develop and market a Battery Configuration Switch (BCS) for electric vehicles. The innovative 400-volt/800-volt bi-stable device for dual-string battery packs enables parallel and series reconfiguration, allowing 800-volt vehicles to charge efficiently with 400-volt chargers. Additionally, the new solution offers several advantages over previous technologies:

"At Eaton, we have extensive experience developing electric mobility solutions and are partnering with Munich Electrification, an expert in developing cutting-edge battery management systems, to deploy this promising new technology," said Mark Schneider, president of Eaton's e-Mobility division. "There are many 800-volt vehicles on the market, but many charging stations can only provide 400-volt power. BCS can provide more flexibility for consumers who want access to the expanded DC charging network."

To ensure higher EV safety standards, the BCS features mechanical interlocks to prevent shorting of the battery pack due to a crash, software bug or contactor failure. It also allows the BCS to remain stable even if the electronic control unit loses power. Its bistable nature eliminates the holding current of traditional contactors, allowing for increased efficiency during normal operation. It also tolerates under-voltage faults by maintaining a safe state against a range of failure modes.

Eaton is the intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving quality of life for all. We serve data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are driven by our mission to enable our customers to do business right, operate sustainably and manage power, now and into the future. We are capitalizing on growing global trends of electrification and digitalization to accelerate the planet's renewable energy transition, solve the world's most pressing power management challenges and build a more sustainable world for people today and generations to come.

About Munich Electrification:

Munich Electrification is a leading provider of innovative battery management solutions, with the development of sustainable battery management systems and electronics in its corporate DNA. The company offers cutting-edge methods in software and electronics development and a wealth of knowledge from enthusiastic experts from 24 countries, all of whom have worked for renowned automotive manufacturers. With a commitment to innovation and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Munich Electrification aims to become a uniquely leading supplier to the electrified automotive industry and beyond.

The official version of this press release is the original language version. The translated language versions are provided for the convenience of readers and have no legal effect. When using the translated version as a reference, please refer to the original language version, which is the only version that has legal effect.

Contacts:

Thomas Nellenbach
[email protected]
(216) 333-2876 (cell)

 

Source: businesswire.com