Linear Technology and LION Smart Demonstrate First Wireless Battery Management System in BMW i3 at Electronica Show

08.11.2016

Zug, CH – November 8, 2016. Linear Technology together with design partner LION Smart, a subsidiary of LION E-Mobility AG, are demonstrating the industry’s first wireless automotive battery management system (BMS) concept car at the Electronica Show this week in Munich, Germany (Booth 524, Hall A4).

This wireless BMS concept car, developed by LION Smart GmbH, combines Linear’s highly accurate battery stack monitors with its SmartMesh wireless mesh networking products and LION Smart’s state-of-the-art Open Source BMS in a BMW i3.

This demonstration of a fully wireless BMS car represents a significant breakthrough that offers the potential for improved reliability, lower cost and weight, and reduced wiring complexity for large multicell battery stacks in electric and hybrid/electric vehicles.

In addition wireless connectivity enables more flexible placement of battery modules. Wireless connectivity also enables more flexible placement of battery modules, and makes possible the installation of sensors in locations previously unsuitable for a wiring harness.

Erik Soule, Vice President, Signal Conditioning Products for Linear Technology, stated, “New designs of electric and hybrid/electric vehicles are increasing rapidly and all of the major automotive manufacturers are searching for ways to improve the performance and reliability of their battery management systems as they move into higher volume production. The wireless BMS concept car, realized through the expertise of LION Smart’s BMS design, showcases our product vision.”

Mr. Daniel Quinger, CEO of LION E-Mobility, stated, “One of our goals in this ambitious project is to demonstrate the improvement in range and charging time that can be achieved by using the latest technologies in partnership with leading global players. Combining Kreisel Electric’s laser welded 18650 modules with direct liquid cooling and Linear Technology’s SmartMesh IP wireless mesh and the LTC6811 battery monitoring IC, together with LION Smart’s Open BMS, enabled a unique battery system with record braking charge time of just 15 minutes, an energy capacity of over 55kWh, with a range of over 400km. This represents a truly remarkable accomplishment.”

The wireless BMS concept car, featuring the BMW i3, shows the promise of wireless technology to significantly improve reliability and simplify the design of automotive battery management systems. LION Smart is looking forward to a bright future by continuing its outstanding partnership with Linear Technology.