Volkswagen’s Unified EV Cell Format: Developments in Battery Design
Volkswagen’s technique for electrical automobiles (EVs) has undergone vital modifications, with a key give attention to simplification and the introduction of a unified EV battery cell format. This initiative is about to rework how VW designs and manufactures its batteries, resulting in price reductions and extra environment friendly electrical automobiles.
Just lately, forward of the Volkswagen Group Annual Convention, VW and its battery manufacturing arm, PowerCo, shared insights into their upcoming unified cell design, which will probably be featured throughout varied fashions from VW, Audi, Cupra, and different manufacturers.
As these unified cells are built-in into future EVs, they are going to introduce a brand new battery pack structure that immediately incorporates the cells into the pack. This innovation guarantees to reinforce vitality density and cut back weight, providing larger flexibility for various fashions and markets.
Transitioning from Modular Designs
Present EVs based mostly on VW’s MEB platform, such because the ID.4 and ID.Buzz, make the most of modular pouch cell designs. Nevertheless, the next-gen battery, anticipated for launch in late 2023 in Europe, will make use of a cell-to-pack association. This new design will horizontally align the cells throughout the battery housing, resulting in a extra compact and environment friendly construction.
The evolution of the battery pack housing will adapt to accommodate this new structure, with much less emphasis on mechanical ribs and extra give attention to structural reinforcements.
Improved Cooling Methods and Efficiency Monitoring
VW acknowledges the need for enhanced cooling options with the brand new battery configuration. The flat surfaces of the cells permit for simpler temperature administration. The battery housing has been redesigned to incorporate slim cooling channels on the highest plate, facilitating higher thermal regulation.
Moreover, VW will implement a sturdy battery administration system that screens cell voltage and temperature, sustaining a wired connection for dependable knowledge transmission.
Higher Vary and Power Density
The upcoming cell design is anticipated to permit for battery packs with considerably larger vitality capacities than presently obtainable. Presently, the ID.7 and ID.Buzz supply a most of 91 kWh (with 86 kWh usable), however future iterations could enhance this capability to satisfy the rising demand for vary.
Although VW has not confirmed specifics, there are indications that fashions such because the ID.Buzz might see a rise in vary, enhancing their attraction for long-distance journey. The brand new battery technique may also be applied within the forthcoming ID.2 and ID.1 fashions arriving in Europe.
Value Discount by means of Unified Design
The unified cell format is integral to VW’s efforts to cut back battery prices, which presently comprise over a 3rd of EV manufacturing bills. Michael Steiner, head of R&D at Volkswagen Group, defined that standardizing the cell format will result in vital economies of scale in cell and battery techniques.
This innovation goals to attenuate the complexity of battery techniques, permitting for decrease costs within the entry-level EV market whereas concurrently assembly expertise wants throughout international markets.
Versatile Chemistry Choices
The brand new format will assist varied battery chemistries, together with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells. Moreover, it will probably accommodate future developments like sodium-ion and solid-state batteries. An settlement with QuantumScape facilitates the manufacturing of solid-state lithium-metal cells, with a capability of as much as 40 gigawatt-hours yearly.
PowerCo has already begun producing and testing over 100,000 unified cells at its facility in Salzgitter, Germany, with plans to develop manufacturing to Spain and Canada by 2026.
Integration with Volkswagen’s Future Platform Technique
VW is present process a considerable transformation with goals to consolidate varied platforms and electrical architectures right into a singular modular Scalable Methods Platform (SSP) paired with a software-defined car (SDV) strategy. The SSP is predicted to debut absolutely within the next-generation ID Golf round 2028, paving the best way for all future fashions to learn from this integration.
A major development on the horizon is the cell-to-body expertise, which might permit battery cells to be built-in immediately into the car’s construction. Whereas the timeline and scope for this innovation stay undecided, it represents a promising evolution in battery integration.
As VW continues to reinforce its MEB EV lineup with these progressive battery designs, the enhancements in vary and effectivity are poised to bolster the attract of fashions just like the ID.4 and ID.Buzz. This not solely reinforces VW’s dedication to electrical mobility but in addition highlights a strategic shift in direction of a extra sustainable and aggressive future within the automotive trade.
