Ideal Power reports that it is working with a third international automaker. This multinational automaker is collaborating closely and holding frequent meetings with Ideal Power engineers to discuss the potential replacement of electromechanical contactors in its electric vehicles (EVs) with B-TRAN-enabled contactors.
Solid-State Contactors taking Over Electromechanical Contactors
In electric vehicles, contactors function as cutoff switches for high-voltage applications. They are essential in maintaining safety when the vehicle is off or being serviced keeping the battery, inverter, and onboard charger in isolation.
Every EV normally contains four to six high-power, bidirectional contactors. The market for high-power electric vehicle contactors is expected to reach a value of over $3.7 billion by 2025. The company anticipates that solid-state contactors will eventually displace electromechanical contactors in at least half of this market.
Compared to electromechanical contactors, solid-state contactors provide a number of advantages. Their accelerated behavior reduces arcing and enhances safety. Additionally, because they don’t have any wearable physical contacts, they are more dependable.
They also have built-in safety diagnostics and programmable settings for trip and current limitations. In EV applications, B-TRAN-enabled contactors are anticipated to be less expensive than electromechanical contactors.
Key Comments
“We are delighted to announce this collaboration with a third global automaker for the evaluation of B-TRAN™ in a new EV application for us. Their initial focus is on EV contactors. Solid-state contactors in EVs are an emerging market and our technology is potentially enabling for this application due to its very low conduction losses and inherent bidirectionality. This represents another engagement for us with the world’s leading automakers along with our previously announced engagements with Stellantis and a second Top 10 global automaker,” said Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power.
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