Power management

A sophisticated system for automotive energy management
20
years of experience and innovation in power and battery electronics
2M+
units of automotive 48V/12V DC/DC Converters produced by 2027
30%
of the 48V/12V market share in 2025

Source : “Brief synthese POWER MGT V1” / FORVIA HELLA

+17%
rise in global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2025

Source : Reuters 2025

The key to powering electrified vehicles

Electric vehicles depend on a steady and stable source of electricity to move – but also to run the many systems that enable infotainment, driver assistance, and more. By optimizing battery charging and controlling both the power received and delivered, power management systems provide cars with the energy they rely on. 

Deliver high power

At the core of the power management system, the battery, under the control of the Battery Management System (BMS), both delivers power and stores energy for the electrified vehicle, supplying energy to the motor to generate movement. This power supply enables the vehicle to drive while ensuring autonomy and performance.

Manage battery charge

One of the roles of the BMS is to oversee the battery charging process from the power grid. Its goal: to maximize charging speed while ensuring efficiency and safety.

Optimize battery lifetime

The onboard charger (OBC) converts alternative current from the network to continuous current accepted by the battery. It also plays a key role in managing the battery’s lifespan. Together with the BMS, the OBC adapts and optimizes charging to reduce cell wear, ensuring better efficiency and, consequently, a longer usage time.

Recover energy

In electrified vehicles, two key components of the power management system contribute to energy recovery. The inverter captures energy lost during braking and redirects it to the battery, while the BMS optimizes the storage process and prevents overheating. Together, they help extend range and minimize energy losses.

A power management solution adaptable to all powertrain architectures

BEV

Battery Electric Vehicle

Battery Electric Vehicle

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.

PHEV

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

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.

FCEV

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

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.

EREV

Extended Range Electric Vehicle

Extended Range Electric Vehicle

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.

Our industry leading expertise

Proven leadership in power electronics

Providing cutting-edge power electronics solutions tailored for various power classes, FORVIA HELLA is a renowned market leader. Thanks to HELLA’s large purchasing volume of electronic and mechanical components, we are also able to achieve competitive prices. 

Certified excellence and commitment to quality

The quality of our solutions is validated through rigorous assessment processes, guaranteeing high reliability and compliance with the most demanding industry standards for power-related software development and functional safety. During development, we rely on our know-how and dedicated in-house high-voltage testing and analysis departments, as well as the support of our technology and process experts. 

Our featured technologies

Battery Management System

Battery Management System

The Battery Management System is designed to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of a battery pack in an electrified or hybrid vehicle. To achieve this, it continuously tracks key battery parameters (voltage, temperature), balances the cells to extend their lifespan, and protects them against the risk of overheating.

DC/DC Converter

DC/DC Converter

The DC/DC Converter contributes to the energy management of an electrified vehicle by ensuring a stable and reliable power supply to the various electrical systems of the power management system. It adjusts the battery voltage for components operating at lower levels, supplies energy (lighting, sensors) to auxiliary systems, and minimizes electrical losses.

Our other technologies

Digital and sustainable cockpit experiences

Electrification and energy management

Safe and automated driving