LG Innotek Develops Wireless Battery Management System for Electric Vehicles

LG Corporation's subsidiary, LG Innotek, has announced the development of a wireless battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles (EVs). This new technology is expected to have a significant impact on the EV industry by increasing the range of electric vehicles while downsizing the battery packs, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the vehicles.

The wireless BMS operates by collecting information on individual battery cells and transmitting it wirelessly to the central controller, eliminating the need for wired connections between the cells. This results in a simpler battery pack manufacturing process, reducing the number of components required for the BMS.

The wireless BMS is also expected to improve the safety of EVs. The traditional wired BMS system can be vulnerable to damage from heat or vibration, resulting in an electrical short circuit. The wireless system eliminates this risk by reducing the number of connections that can be damaged.

Additionally, the wireless BMS can detect abnormalities in individual cells more quickly than traditional wired systems, allowing for earlier detection of potential issues before they become serious problems. This can prevent dangerous situations such as fires or other failures.

This wireless BMS technology is not limited just to EVs though, it can also be applied to other battery-powered devices such as drones, power tools, and can even be used in stationary energy storage systems, such as those used in homes or businesses.

LG says this new product employs 800V, which is the highest voltage among commercially marketed BMS’s. The company had already succeeded in developing an 800V wired BMS in 2020. Since the charging duration decreases as the voltage increases, domestic and overseas automobile makers tend to adopt 800V as their voltage system for electric vehicles.

LG Innotek plans to start mass production of the wireless BMS in 2024. To do so, the company will actively conduct promotional activities targeting major domestic and overseas automobile manufacturers starting the first half of this year, accelerating its move to occupy the relevant market in advance. In addition, the company plans to start the development of an Electric Vehicle Charge Controller (EVCC) wirelessly by leveraging the technology that the company acquired this time.

Yoo Byaeng-kuk, Vice President of the Automotive Components & Electronics Business Unit, said, “We will continue to release next-generation automotive electrical components that provide differentiated customer value, and expand our global foothold as a total solution provider in near future.”

LG Innotek's wireless battery management system is an exciting innovation that is pushing the electric vehicle industry forward. With its potential to increase range, improve safety, and reduce production costs. By simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of components required, this innovation has the potential to make electric vehicles more affordable. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, wireless BMS systems, like this from LG Innoteck, will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry.

Source: LG Corp