In an interview with AutoEVTimes, Mr. Tarun Vohra, Head of Sales and Product Development/R&D of Marelli’s Propulsion business in India, shared insights on the company’s latest Battery Management Systems. He explained how the Lean BMS for two- and three-wheelers and the Elite BMS for high-end vehicles address cost, efficiency, and safety challenges. Sohal also highlighted how AI integration, EIS technology, and local engineering efforts are shaping scalable, high-performance BMS solutions for India’s diverse EV ecosystem.
Read the full interview here:
AET: Marelli recently launched the Lean BMS for smaller EVs and the Elite BMS for high-end vehicles. Could you walk us through the key differences between the two solutions in terms of technology, functionality, and target applications?
Tarun: Following our overall “platform approach”, that offers scalable solutions designed to meet the needs of various target markets and buyers, Marelli has launched 3 types of Battery Management System – LeanEnergy, ProEnergy and EliteEnergy.
LeanEnergy is a centralized/integrated battery management system providing a compact, light, small and cost-effective system that can manage up to 400 V battery packs. ProEnergy and EliteEnergy are distributed systems, wired and wireless respectively for medium and high ends vehicles. The application range of battery pack is 400V – 800 V, including also switchable configuration for fast recharge. The advantage of the wireless system is in the reduction of cost, weight and complexity in the battery pack and vehicle assembly.
AET: What challenges do OEMs typically face when integrating Battery Management Systems, and how do Marelli’s new BMS solutions address these pain points, especially in cost-sensitive markets like Ind ia?
Tarun: The main challenge is the adaptation of BMS system to the different vehicle layouts and space claims. Also responding to this, as said, Marelli has developed a family of products with different architectures – Lean, Pro, Elite, with High Voltage subsystem integrated to or separated from the Low Voltage subsystem. Such approach gives the highest flexibility with the lowest product customization cost, that is a key factor for the Indian market.
Additionally, to improve the accuracy of the cell monitoring and the battery states (charge, power, health) estimation, we are working on new technical solutions like more accurate monitoring ASICs, implementation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Sox (state of battery) estimation algorithm using AI.
AET: With India being a key market for two- and three-wheeler EVs, how is the Lean BMS optimized to support the unique demands of these vehicle segments?
Tarun: The “Lean” battery management system is ideally suited for applications with up to 108 cells and a nominal voltage up to 400V. Given the moderated battery pack size in two- and three-wheeler vehicles, it serves as an effective solution that reduces the complexity, weight, and cost of their architectures, thereby accelerating time to market. Moreover, dedicated software algorithms specifically developed for these vehicles enhance performance by optimizing battery pack degradation and lifespan, while ensuring superior accuracy in monitoring the State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) of the batteries.
AET: The Elite BMS was introduced at the CTI Symposium with enhanced diagnostics and functionalities. Could you elaborate on the advanced features it offers and how they contribute to vehicle performance and safety?
Tarun: Our Elite, Pro, and Lean are ASIL D ISO 26262 compliant systems, featuring state-of-the-art cybersecurity. The software is developed according to the AUTOSAR standard, allowing it to also host OEM-specific algorithms. We’ve integrated AI applications into software algorithms and EIS spectroscopy, marking the latest innovations in our BMS platform. The AI application enhances algorithms and cloud tracking, extending battery life and improving the accuracy of estimating the State of Charge (SoC) and State of Power (SoP). This translates to better drivability and an increased driving range. EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) enables precise internal temperature estimates, assisting in early thermal runaway detection and enhancing SoC estimation accuracy, thereby improving safety and vehicle performance. As cells degrade, their internal resistance increases, and EIS continuously monitors this resistance, providing precise assessments of aging and battery pack degradation.
AET: How is Marelli leveraging its local engineering capabilities in India to innovate and adapt global EV technologies for regional requirements?
Tarun: In coordination with the global team, Marelli is already serving global OEMs from India for Battery Management Systems. Local engineering team can easily implement the global EV platforms for OEMs in India. Additionally, the team is also working towards Innovation.
AET: Looking ahead, how do you see the evolution of BMS technologies influencing the broader EV ecosystem, both in India and globally?
Tarun: Looking ahead, the evolution of Battery Management Systems technologies is poised to significantly influence the broader EV ecosystem both in India and globally. Advancements in battery cell materials will be a key driver, enhancing system efficiency, extending battery life, and reducing consumption and recharge times. BMS technologies must adapt by managing increased hardware complexity while maintaining cost efficiency and improving overall accuracy. The integration of Artificial Intelligence in software algorithms will play a crucial role in this evolution, as AI can optimize energy management systems, enabling more precise forecasting of battery performance and degradation patterns. This will lead to smarter energy distribution, boosting efficiency and reliability across EV applications. In India, where the electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding, scalable and adaptable BMS solutions, like our Marelli Energy Platform, will be essential to accommodate diverse climatic conditions and driving environments.
