Battery controller for EVs under development

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, Chinese R&D institute IMECAS and technology company EPOCH are partnering in the development and marketing of a battery management system for new energy vehicles (NEVs).

China is the largest NEV market in the world, with more than 500,000 NEVs sold in 2016. The growth planned and foreseen in the future is dramatic, poised to reach two million NEVs in 2020. Battery monitoring systems and related key technologies, including silicon carbide (SiC) for traction and charging, play an important role in securing the safe operation of the battery and vehicle while providing crucial information to drivers.

With this in mind, STMicroelectronics, IMECAS and EPOCH plan to develop a battery controller using smart power bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) technology and SPC5x automotive microcontrollers from ST. To be defined in close cooperation with Chinese battery makers and car makers, the solution aims to meet the market’s requirements for performance, quality and reliability.

“Through the cooperation with IMECAS and EPOCH, ST is ready to contribute its technologies, products and experience to China’s transition towards a greener and safer automotive industry,” said Marco Monti, executive vice president and general manager, Automotive and Discrete Group, STMicroelectronics.

“Our key components for all the main automotive applications, and especially new energy vehicles that include power technologies, smart drivers, microcontrollers and control and connectivity solutions, will enable IMECAS and EPOCH to address the ambitious targets of the China 2025 program for the automotive industry.”