Electric vehicle battery management could see a significant shift as IAV and Nexperia jointly demonstrated a concept that controls battery cells individually rather than as a unified pack. Their system, called ONE Inverter, applies software-defined control combined with bidirectional gallium nitride (GaN) switching, enabling dynamic regulation of separate battery sections based on their actual state of charge and health.
Traditional EV battery packs connect cells in series, forcing every cell to carry the same current. This limits the pack’s capacity and performance to the weakest cell, reducing overall efficiency. ONE Inverter overcomes this limitation by electrically isolating and managing each battery section through a software layer. This allows the system to optimize power flow and capacity utilization dynamically, avoiding the common bottleneck caused by degraded cells.
The technical breakthrough hinges on Nexperia’s bidirectional GaN semiconductor devices. These switches enable rapid and efficient power conversion at the battery section level. GaN’s low switching losses and compact size make per-section control feasible and cost-effective compared to alternative technologies, which would complicate the system and increase expense significantly. Additionally, Nexperia’s portfolio of bipolar devices supports the broader power management architecture.
IAV contributed the software-defined architecture and battery control strategy, integrating expertise in battery systems and electric vehicle design. The system also consolidates multiple functions—currently requiring separate electronics—into a unified, streamlined power management solution. This unified approach aims to enhance electric mobility by improving efficiency, resilience, and readiness for future demands.