Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled their latest Battery Management System (BMS) technology. (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor Co.)
SEOUL, Aug. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – In a bid to allay consumer concerns about electric vehicle (EV) safety, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled their latest Battery Management System (BMS) technology, a crucial development in their ongoing efforts to improve EV reliability and performance.
The South Korean automakers announced on August 15 that the BMS technology, refined over 15 years of in-house research and development, represents a significant leap in their commitment to elevating the fundamental aspects of electric vehicles that consumers prioritize.
“Our BMS technology showcases our R&D capabilities and our dedication to addressing consumer priorities in EVs,” a spokesperson for the companies stated.
The BMS serves as the “brain” of the electric vehicle, overseeing battery management and protection while providing essential control information for the vehicle’s use of the battery.
One of its key functions is precision battery system monitoring, ensuring stable operation and swift detection of potential issues.
Hyundai and Kia’s system is designed to identify battery anomalies quickly, assess risk levels, implement safety controls, and notify customers when necessary, thereby preventing more significant problems from developing.
The BMS serves as the “brain” of the electric vehicle, overseeing battery management and protection while providing essential control information for the vehicle’s use of the battery. (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor Co.)
The companies noted that while EV battery fires can have various causes, most stem from cell defects or short circuits due to impacts.
Their BMS continuously monitors batteries during driving and charging, and even periodically checks for cell abnormalities when the vehicle is parked and powered off.
The system checks for voltage deviations, insulation resistance, current and voltage changes, temperature fluctuations, and over- or under-voltage conditions.
Recent models have additional features to detect instantaneous and micro short circuits, potentially identifying defects that may have developed days or weeks earlier.
When the BMS detects an anomaly, it performs necessary safety controls and, depending on the severity, immediately notifies the customer. Diagnostic data is transmitted to a remote support center, which can then send automated messages to customers advising them to seek maintenance or emergency assistance.
The automakers are also developing an advanced system that would automatically notify relevant authorities in case of severe issues.
Additionally, they are working on an “onboard-cloud integrated safety management system” that utilizes advanced diagnostic technology and cloud-based remote precision diagnostics.
To prevent overcharging, Hyundai and Kia have implemented a three-tier protection system. This multi-safety approach includes focused monitoring of charging status and close coordination with the charging controller to prevent overcharging at each stage.
“Our electric vehicles incorporate a wide array of safety technologies developed based on the expertise and know-how our R&D teams have accumulated over the years,” a Hyundai Motor Group representative said.
“We’re committed to continuous development of new safety technologies to ensure our global customers can use our electric vehicles with peace of mind.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
