Power management

A BEV operates with a battery supplying energy to its electric motor(s). The vehicle’s range depends on the size of its battery. BEVs are constantly being improved to accommodate higher voltage levels, up to 800 V, as are our power management system solutions for BEVs. This push to democratize high voltage is crucial for the industry, as it would allow BEVs to reduce thermal losses and charging time. This transition relies on advancements in power electronics, a key enabler of high-voltage architectures. FORVIA is also working to reduce the weight of electronic components in BEVs, further optimizing energy efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

The PHEV combines a combustion engine and an electric motor and can therefore be recharged via a power outlet. Like the BEV, this vehicle can recover energy through its braking system. With this type of vehicle comes the challenge of miniaturizing the electric powertrain to allow both engines to coexist. Advances in powertrain miniaturization indeed play a crucial role in this architecture, allowing for a more compact and lightweight integration of both engines.

The FCEV derives the energy needed for its operation from a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen. This architecture allows the vehicle to run without pollutant emissions, only releasing water vapor. The FCEV combines this advantage with a fast refueling time and a long range. It’s associated with a small to medium-sized battery to level the fuel stack power delivery and to recover energy during braking. Unlike battery-electric vehicles, which require extended charging periods, FCEVs benefit from refueling times comparable to those of internal combustion vehicles, typically just a few minutes.

Like PHEVs, EREVs combine an electric motor and a combustion engine. However, EREV combustion engines are typically smaller, only serving as a generator to recharge their (often larger) battery when needed. The challenge of fast charging, a key issue in the industry, is thus particularly important for EREVs: a quick recharge allows it to maximize its use in fully electric mode and minimize reliance on the combustion engine.