As discussed in Electronic Design’s article “Implementing Better Busbar Construction for Next-Gen Vehicles,” the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionizing the automotive industry. Major car manufacturers are shifting their focus entirely to EV-centric production within the next decade, aiming to reduce environmental impact by cutting air pollution. This shift, however, also brings significant changes to vehicle interconnect systems, moving away from traditional specifications like acceleration and horsepower, to focusing more on powertrain and battery efficiency. 

The main focus for EVs is on efficiency and range — critical factors that help alleviate range anxiety, a common concern among potential EV buyers. To boost EV efficiency, automakers and their suppliers are transitioning from 400-V to 800-V powertrain systems, integrating high-performance components based on gallium-nitride (GaN) and silicon-carbide (SiC) technologies. These advancements facilitate the creation of high-density systems that reduce power losses and contribute to the overall weight reduction of the vehicle, thereby enhancing performance.

As the automotive industry continues to adopt more compact and lightweight elements, such as inverters, on-board chargers, batteries, and traction motors, the need for innovative electrical interconnection methods becomes critical. Traditional wiring arrangements are being replaced with modern busbar systems, which offer improved performance, reliability, and space efficiency. These advanced busbars are pivotal for next-generation EVs, providing a streamlined solution that supports higher voltages and power densities while reducing the overall vehicle weight.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Electronic Design.