FYI: Mercedes-Benz is pioneering a revolutionary multiple-chemistry battery pack system featuring advanced micro-converters.
Exciting Developments in Mercedes-Benz Battery Technology
Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology with its latest innovation—a battery pack that integrates multiple chemistry types. This breakthrough, showcased during the Mercedes Future Experience event in Stuttgart, heralds a new era in battery performance, modularity, and spatial efficiency.
Revolutionary Micro-Converter Technology
At the heart of this development is a cutting-edge power converter that offers unprecedented control over battery packs. Unlike conventional series connections, Mercedes has adopted a parallel configuration for the cells, unlocking a host of possibilities. The key to this system is a programmable micro-converter that, impressively, can be controlled wirelessly. By enabling individual cell pair management, this innovation allows for highly precise regulation of charge specific to each cell.
Benefits of Parallel Cell Configuration
This pioneering approach brings several significant benefits:
- Enhanced Charge Management: Vehicles can achieve superior charge balance, improving battery longevity.
- Individual Cell Diagnosis: The system can identify and segregate damaged cells, averting potential issues for the entire battery pack.
- Accurate Health Monitoring: It facilitates precise tracking of battery health, identifying specific problematic cells efficiently.
Constant Voltage Across All Conditions
One remarkable feature of this new micro-converter is its ability to maintain constant voltage (800 volts) regardless of the battery’s charge state or cell health. This advancement eliminates dependence on the number of series-connected cells, focusing instead on desired performance criteria and capacity, as revealed by Mercedes’ research.
Modular Battery Pack Possibilities
Should this innovation reach production, it would drastically enhance the modularity of EV battery packs. Such adaptability would allow for more efficient space usage, potentially reducing costs through standardized manufacturing processes on a broader scale.
Exploring Multiple Chemistry Options
In a conversation with Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, the possibility of combining different battery chemistries, such as LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), was addressed. Schäfer confirmed that the idea of mixing these chemistries is actively being explored. Each type brings distinct advantages—LFP batteries excel in fast-charging capabilities and are more thermally stable, while NMC batteries hold more energy, ideal for long-range EVs.
Conclusion: Pioneering the Future of EV Batteries
In summary, Mercedes-Benz’s innovations indicate a transformative shift in electric vehicle battery design. By integrating multiple battery chemistries and employing sophisticated cell management technology, the future promises more robust, efficient, and versatile EV systems. This could revolutionize the industry, setting new standards for sustainability and efficiency in electric mobility.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
