Eaton, a multinational power-management manufacturer, has partnered with German electronics manufacturer Munich Electrification to develop and market a battery configuration switch (BCS) for 400-volt/800-volt dual-string battery packs in EVs. This allows 800 V vehicles to effectively charge via a 400 V charger.

Eaton says the new switch simplifies the system and streamlines packaging and assembly by enabling reduction of up to 12 components in a battery disconnect unit. It also minimizes contact resistance by reducing the number of contact points compared to conventional contactors. 

The unit offers a mechanical interlock to prevent pack short-circuits due to crashes, software bugs or contactor malfunction. It can maintain stable conditions when the electronic control unit loses power.

“There are a lot of 800-volt vehicles in the market, but many charging stations can only supply 400-volt power. BCS provides charging flexibility to consumers who want access to an expanded network of DC chargers,” said Mark Schneider, President of Eaton’s eMobility unit.

Source: Eaton