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HAVE FAITH IN A HIGHER VOLTAGE

Malte Frohberg, Head of Product and Portfolio Management, LF Automotive at Huber+Suhner, explains why high voltages are crucial for an electric vehicle’s safety and security.

Huber+Suhner’s standard modular High Voltage Distribution Unit increases the longevity and uptime of EVs to enhance operational value

As the current climate and consumer consciousness turn their attention to the wellbeing of our planet as concerns for emissions grow, consumer and corporate demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is rising exponentially.

As a result, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have been put under pressure to meet ever-increasing demands as well as ecological standards. Challenged with optimising the sustainability and performance of vehicles while working to deliver on a mass scale, the automotive sector urgently requires solutions which will ensure the longevity, efficiency and quality of each and every vehicle.

System overload One of the most salient issues among automotive OEMs at present is the critical need to effectively manage and distribute the high voltages coursing through the EV system within the vehicle to ensure safe, optimised operations. This is essential for the efficient transmission, storage and use of power during and after charging to ensure the health of the vehicular infrastructure.

Without it, EV systems are susceptible to deterioration, damage and failure as a result of voltage overload, which can be especially costly when entire fleets are in need of replacement or repair. Particularly during transit where harsh conditions such as mechanical abrasion, moisture and extreme temperatures are unavoidable, the life span of the vehicle is severely shortened, resulting in operation downtime, disrupted travel, dissatisfied customers and lost revenue.

To avoid such problems, the EV industry faces a growing strain to deliver resilient, robust technological solutions as the number of electric vehicles on the road increases. Thus, it has become urgent for manufacturers to incorporate performance-enhancing innovations within their models in an efficient and cost-effective manner. To facilitate this, a compact, safe and lightweight system is required to deliver reliable, high-quality EV performance and guarantee manufacturers remain competitive within the automotive market.

Unlocking the volts Technical innovations from Huber+Suhner, for example, can be implemented to enable stronger resilience and enhanced vehicle safety by effectively distributing high voltage through all EV components.

The company’s standard modular High Voltage Distribution Unit (mHVDU) is a specialised solution which increases the longevity and uptime of EVs to enhance operational value – particularly that of commercial vehicles – even in harsh environments. With the ability to withstand temperature fluctuations, vibrations and mechanical impact, the mHVDU ensures the security and protection of cables and components operating within the vehicle.

In the development of the mHVDU, Huber+Suhner guarantees consistent performance levels throughout the vehicle’s extended lifespan. Designed to manage up to 800 volts DC while adhering to the industry’s highest standards, the mHVDU is installed with a robust, reliable operating system. This ensures seamless, uninterrupted journeys and eliminates concerns of short circuit and failure within EV fleets, guaranteeing manufacturer efficiency and protecting revenue.

The unit’s weight and space allow for compact installation, saving on space, weight and cost and resulting in a reduction in lead time from 12 weeks to just two to four weeks. The box itself is very versatile – with several fusing options to adapt to many existing systems and the modular layout allowing scalability and OEM compatibility.

Finally, its simplified housing and standardised components ensure the highest standards of performance in commercial, industrial and special EVs. The configurable nature of the solution offers even greater flexibility to the consumer and the interoperability of the technology saves significant costs as installation is simplified, and the need for entire system replacements are avoided.

“In order to maintain an industry lead, automotive manufacturers must enhance the value of their vehicles, and prioritise system upgrades to do so.”

Completing the circuit As EVs continue to be in high demand, the technology supporting this sector is continually advancing and innovation is imperative to help the industry deliver high performance and quality. Huber+Suhner, with its extensive experience in the automotive market, can offer a range of full-coverage solutions.

Its mHVDU comes as a standalone solution, and as part of the complementary Radox system, to overcome industry challenges and consistently improve performance levels to benefit businesses globally. When implemented in its entirety, the Radox solutions offer reassurance, convenience and full customisation capabilities for a tailored, finalised solution.

Whilst standardised to the highest quality, the mHVDU may require recertification when used in conjunction with OEM equipment or outsourced components. However, the Radox complete solution eradicates this step, carrying the Huber+Suhner certification guarantee with the assurance of readily available operation qualifications without the need for external officiation.

In order to maintain an industry lead, automotive manufacturers must enhance the value of their vehicles, and prioritise system upgrades to do so. The alternative is to face revenue leakage, time wastage and – at worst – unsafe vehicular operations.

Huber+Suhner is dedicated to delivering high performance with minimal hassle. By cutting lead times and offering vast customisation capabilities, the company’s solutions are able to meet specialised demands. From development to installation, the Radox portfolio is streamlined and optimised to upgrade and futureproof EVs worldwide, no matter how heavy duty.