Italian auto components manufacturer Marelli announced on February 2 that the company had secured a significant supply contract for its Battery Management System (BMS), as per its press release. The BMS is basically the “brain” of the battery, which will be used on the planned all-electric small-medium cars of a leading global automaker in 2026.
“We are glad of this relevant assignment, particularly as this is for a technology which has a key role for energy management in electric vehicles.”
Hannes Prenn, Marelli’s Electric Powertrain division President
Unfortunately, the company has not yet revealed which automaker it is referring to.
About the deal
Marelli committed to supplying the BMS hardware and the boot loader software for segment A, B, and C all-electric vehicles.
“This further reinforces our collaboration with global carmakers and recognizes the consolidated experience achieved by Marelli over the years in the development of BMS with different architectures, to fit the specific needs of our customers and co-create with them the vehicles of tomorrow.”
Hannes Prenn, Marelli’s Electric Powertrain division President
Marelli expects to commence the BMS production by 2026, which will supply numerous production plants of the mystery automaker. Furthermore, the Italian company will produce and test the awarded BMS in its Italy and Japan facilities.
Marelli’s Battery Management System
Marelli will use a dispersed architecture in developing the BMS. The BMW’s major function is to monitor and control the battery. Interestingly, it integrates all the hardware necessary for lithium battery cells on a Cell Module Controller (CMC), which is mounted directly on the cell module under monitoring.
This approach reduces most of the wiring to a few sensor wires and communication cables between nearby CMC modules. Each CMC is, therefore, more independent and manages measurements and communications as necessary.
Apart from that, the BMW will also manage the battery’s stored power and the capacity to power the vehicle. At the same time, it will gather and deliver data about the operating conditions and status of the battery. Through this, the battery is constantly being monitored, optimized, and protected, enabling competitive and safe electric vehicle technology.
About Marelli
Marelli is an Italian manufacturer of components for the automotive industry. The company is among the world’s leading companies in the said industry.
“With a strong and established track record in innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through working with customers and partners to create a safer, greener, and better-connected world. With around 50,000 employees worldwide, the Marelli footprint includes 170 facilities and R&D centres across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, generating revenues of 1,380 billion JPY (10.6 billion EUR) in 2021.”
Marelli
