Battery Management System: managing batteries efficiently

The Battery Management System (BMS) is a crucial element of battery management in energy storage systems found on electric vehicles, as it plays an important role in the operation and efficiency of the battery pack.

 

The battery pack of electric cars is composed of a set of smaller batteries, the cells, which are usually around a hundred. Due to a modular organization that allows them to be organized into blocks, individual cell management, and consequently, battery pack maintenance, is significantly easier to manage and accessible.

 

Over time, each cell tends to reduce its capacity differently from the others, so in order to ensure the battery’s efficiency over time and meet the stringent safety standards required, the Battery Management System (BMS) comes into play.

 

Balance, monitoring and safety: what the BMS is for in electric cars

The BMS is an electronic system that intervenes to make the battery in electric cars work at its best, taking into account safety requirements and factors such as overload and changes in battery temperature, slowing down the reduction in component efficiency and detecting any negative signals about the car’s operation.

 

Taking full advantage of on-board computer monitoring systems, the BMS informs and intervenes on factors such as power delivery by calculating the battery’s State of Charge and State of Health with predictive analytics systems. Through intelligent monitoring, the BMS can gather crucial information on battery wear or aging, allowing the vehicle’s efficiency to be optimized and, most importantly, prevent risks related to cell deterioration.

 

By integrating with the battery pack, State of Charge balances the cells, with benefits related not only to safety and energy efficiency, but also to charging. In fact, the Battery Management System’s intelligent systems are able to optimize discharge and recharge cycles, preventing the battery from recharging at an irregular rate, ensuring the longest possible battery life.

Heat pump in electric cars: how it works and what are the benefits

What is the heat pump in electric cars and what is it used for?

When it comes to electric cars, energy efficiency is one of the most important aspects to ensure optimal performance and maximize range. Among the most innovative technological solutions that improve comfort and reduce energy consumption is the heat pump, an advanced system for thermal management of the passenger compartment and vehicle components.

 

How the heat pump works

The heat pump is a device that uses the principles of thermodynamics to heat or cool the passenger compartment and manage the temperature of certain vehicle components, such as the battery. Its main characteristic is its high energy efficiency: instead of generating heat through traditional systems, this system uses the thermal energy already present in the environment, significantly reducing the load on the battery. The heat pump uses a fluid that, when compressed, heats up, generating heat that will later be transferred to the air destined for the passenger compartment or vehicle components.

 

The refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas state and vice versa. During evaporation, the fluid absorbs heat from the external environment, while in the condensing phase it releases heat, heating or cooling the air passing through the system.

This mechanism is very efficient because it allows the heat pump to generate up to four times the amount of heat than the amount of electricity consumed by harnessing environmental energy sources.

 

 

The advantages of the heat pump in electric cars

 

Improved range
Because the heat pump consumes less energy than conventional systems, it reduces the impact of heating or cooling on the battery. This preserves the state of the battery and allows for greater range.

 

Energy efficiency
The heat pump produces significantly more thermal energy than the electrical energy consumed, increasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

 

Climatic comfort
Ensures optimal indoor climate management, providing a comfortable environment in both winter and summer, with rapid response to temperature changes.

 

Versatility
The heat pump is particularly useful in cold climates, where conventional heating systems consume a lot of energy, but it also offers benefits in summer by cooling the interior more efficiently.

 

The heat pump not only affects the temperature of the passenger compartment, but also offers significant benefits for battery management:

 

– Better thermal balance: a stable temperature is essential for optimal battery operation. The heat pump helps keep the battery within the ideal temperature range, improving its efficiency and durability;

 

– Charging optimization: well thermoregulated batteries can be recharged more efficiently, reducing charging time and improving safety;

 

– Protection against extreme temperatures: in winter, it prevents batteries from getting too cold, while in summer, the heat pump prevents overheating. In both cases, these are factors that can reduce battery capacity and longevity.

 

The heat pump is one of the key technologies for electric cars, helping to improve range, efficiency, and comfort. Not only does this system reduce energy consumption, but it also plays a crucial role in thermal management of batteries, making electric vehicles more efficient and sustainable, especially in extreme weather conditions.

 

How much does Black Friday weigh on the environment?

Black Friday, an annual holiday known for its extraordinary deals and subsequent shopping boom, moves millions of tons of goods around the world each year. According to Eurostat data, more than 70 percent of goods travel by road in Europe. However, a 2021 ACEA (The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) report notes that only 0.3 percent of fleets are electric. These numbers make freight transport one of the continent’s most impactful sectors in terms of emissions, especially during the week of Black Friday, when product movement peaks.

 

Black Friday: the environmental impact of freight transport

According to data from “Transport & Environment,” more than 1.2 million tons of CO2 were emitted in Europe during the week of Black Friday 2023, marking a 94 percent increase compared to a normal week. This significant impact highlights the need for more sustainable solutions in the freight transport sector.

 

In Italy, according to a Motus-E report, 88 percent of freight travels by road, contributing 27 percent to the country’s total emissions. Importantly, although freight accounts for only 2 percent of all vehicles on the road, it produces nearly a quarter of total road transport emissions.

 

Black Friday: solutions for a green future

One of the most significant responses in recent years to reduce emissions has come from the European Union with the “REPowerEU” program: a plan of investments and regulations aimed at making the EU more energy independent and sustainable by promoting the adoption of electric mobility for citizens and businesses.

 

Among the items in the program are funds to support companies that decide to electrify their corporate fleets. Environmental goals are spread over along-term plan staggered in three stages: to reduce emissions by 65 percent by 2035, 90 percent by 2040, and 98 percent by 2050, with concurrent electrification of at least two-thirds of the fleet dedicated to commercial transportation.

 

In addition to the environmental benefits, the program also foresees major spillovers for the EU economy, with €31.4 billion invested in the development of green transport infrastructure and the creation of more than 540,000 new jobs.

 

The future of Black Friday can therefore also be greener, thanks to a firm and gradual commitment to sustainability and technological innovation in the freight transport sector.

What is the charging curve and why is it important for battery health

The charging curve of an electric car describes how the charging rate varies over time as the battery stores energy. The battery does not absorb energy evenly throughout the charging process; in fact, the speed is affected by both the instantaneous power delivered by the charging column and the maximum power that the battery itself can absorb-as well as, to a lesser extent, the temperature.

 

Let us imagine that we need to fill a glass of water to the brim without overflowing it: we will probably quickly fill the glass to three-quarters full, and then carefully dose the water flow rate as we approach the rim.

 

The charging process works similarly: energy accumulates more rapidly in the first stage, when the battery is almost empty, and gradually slows down as we approach 100%. This behavior becomes particularly evident when the charge exceeds 80%: at this point, the charging rate decreases significantly to prevent overheating and thus potential battery deterioration. This approach is essential to prolong the life of the battery itself.

 

Electric car operating systems employ several strategies to intelligently manage the charging process and preserve the battery:

 

Temperature control: thermal management is essential to avoid overheating that can impair the battery’s primary functions. Advanced monitoring systems constantly analyze temperature during charging, triggering cooling or heating mechanisms to maintain optimal conditions.

 

Charging speed modulation: As mentioned earlier, the charging speed is modulated to be faster at the beginning and slower toward the end. This helps preserve the battery and improves the overall efficiency of the charging process.

 

Optimization algorithms: dedicated software analyzes the state of the battery and optimizes the charging flow, ensuring that each battery cell receives the correct amount of power.

Battery health and longevity also depend on the habits of e-drivers. To optimize efficiency and extend the life of your electric car battery, it is helpful to follow some practical tips:

 

Monitor the state of the battery: it is advisable to keep the battery charge level between 20 percent and 80 percent, avoiding reaching 100 percent with each recharge. This will reduce stress on the battery cells.

 

Vary the charging modes: ultra-rapid charging, such as that offered by the Ewiva network, is the ideal solution for topping up at maximum speed; however, it is advisable to recharge your car according to your needs, choosing other charging modes, such as slow charging, according to your needs and use cases.

 

Pay attention to extreme temperatures: charging in extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, negatively affects both the charging process and the health of the battery. In such cases, it is important to choose the most suitable time of day to recharge, thus preserving the car from adverse weather conditions.

 

Sources:

– https://www.ansa.it/canale_motori/notizie/componentie_tech/2022/07/18/rischi-grande-caldo-come-reagiscono-le-auto-elettriche_8736468a-5c84-4513-b98c-9e64c29cfec0.html

– https://modo.volkswagengroup.it/it/mobotica/auto-elettriche-conta-piu-la-capacita-o-la-velocita-di-ricarica

– https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/audi-e-tron-models-with-high-charging-performance-12758

La Rete dei Comuni – Pomezia (RM)

The Network of Ewiva Municipalities tells about the realities in Italy that have chosen to install the Ewiva network in their territories to offer local e-drivers and tourists an ultra-fast and always accessible charging infrastructure. Today it is the turn of Pomezia, an important center on the outskirts of Rome where culture and productivity come together.

 

Pomezia: nature and entertainment just a stone’s throw from Rome

Pomezia is one of Italy’s most important industrial hubs; located in central Lazio, south of Rome, it is one of the beating hearts of the region’s economy. In addition to being a manufacturing center, this locality presents an area with no shortage of beauty to discover, including museums, beaches and wooded areas surrounded by nature.

 

The Ewiva station in Pomezia (RM).

You can recharge your electric car in Pomezia at the Ewiva station on Via del Mare 20, inside the Productive Area. The station is equipped with four charging points, capable of delivering up to 300 kW of power. Ewiva’s ultra-fast Ewiva stations in Pomezia are located in an area served by stores and restaurants, and are not far from many points of interest.

 

Don’t miss nearby

 

Beaches of Torvaianica

Torvaianica’s beaches, characterized by crystal-clear water and highly organized bathing facilities well set in the natural environment, are about a 10-minute drive from Ewiva’s ultra-fast charging station.

 

Lavinium Civic Archaeological Museum

The charm of these territories is also encapsulated in their millennia-old history and ancient mythology. The Lavinium Archaeological Civic Museum is dedicated to the ancient city of the same name that, according to legend, was founded by Aeneas, who landed on these very shores as recounted by Virgil in the Aeneid. Inside the archaeological area is a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of the area from prehistoric to Roman times.

 

Zoomarine

Also not far from the Ewiva station is Zoomarine, a water-themed amusement park where you can watch shows featuring dolphins and other marine animals. The park also offers water slides, pools and attractions for the whole family.

 

Cork Grove Nature Reserve

Sughereta Nature Reserve is a green oasis that stretches between Pomezia and Ardea. Here, among the striking cork oaks, it is possible to take long walks surrounded by nature. The reserve is home to an important biodiversity of flora and fauna, including wild boars, foxes, birds of prey and a wide variety of birds.

Electric charging point, infrastructure and station: find out the differences

Knowing the words that make up the lexicon of electric mobility is essential to fully understand its peculiarities and potential. With this ABC, let’s find out what the differences are between station, column and Electric Charging Point (POC).

 

The definition of “electric charging station” means the charging site as a whole: it therefore includes the individual columns and all the elements that allow users to take advantage of the service, such as the entire maneuvering and parking area with the stalls for the charging cars and the electric cabin that allows the supply of energy to the station itself.

 

Each Ewiva charging station is designed to meet the different needs of e-drivers and meet the needs of the partners that host it. Ewiva offers different solutions in this regard: the Ewiva stations range from the smallest Standalone, which includes only one column, to the Premium solution, which includes as many as 7 high-power columns and can be equipped with photovoltaic panels and a lounge area for e-drivers with toilets, refreshment point, and relaxation area.

 

In each charging station, there are “charging infrastructures” (IdR), more commonly known as columns, which are the heart of the station and of the service to the user.Ewiva employs ultra-fast high-power columns, which deliver from 100 to 300kW of power, allowing e-drivers to recharge their cars in about 20 minutes.

 

Finally, each column can include one or more charging points where e-drivers-via the connector cable-can charge their cars, even simultaneously on the same column if it has multiple charging points. The “point of charge” (PoC), in fact, corresponds to the actual outlet and, therefore, the total number of charging points is an important indicator for understanding the state of network deployment. According to Motus-E’s latest report, updated to March 2024, there are more than 54,000 active charging points in Italy distributed in more than 18,500 stations, an increase of 38 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

 

Of these, more than 3,000 are ultra-fast charging points, the segment in which Ewiva operates, which is contributing to the development of an increasingly widespread high-power charging network from North to South and up to June 2024 has built more than 1,200 charging points.

La Rete dei Comuni – Moena (TR)

The Ewiva Network of Municipalities today makes a stop in Moena, a town nestled in the beauty of Trentino that has chosen Ewiva to provide area e-drivers and tourists with an ultra-fast and reliable charging station.

 

Moena, a landmark of the Dolomites

The charming village of Moena is located in the Fassa Valley, on the border with the Fiemme Valley, and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dolomites. Located at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters and crossed by the Avisio river basin, this picturesque Ladin town is an essential stop for those who choose to visit these territories.

 

The Ewiva station in Moena (TR)

In Moena you can find the Ewiva high-power station at Troi de Gejia, 1, near tourist attractions and dining spots; the station has a charging point, and delivers up to 100kW of power.

 

Don’t miss nearby

 

Ancient District of Moena

The Antico Rione di Moena is the heart of the village. The cobblestone streets and old wooden houses with their flowered balconies create a unique atmosphere. The Old Quarter is also home to the 13th-century church of San Vigilio. Moena is a center rich in tradition and history. The local culture is characterized by the Ladin language and Fassa traditions, as well as Moena’s characteristic cuisine.

 

San Pellegrino Pass

The San Pellegrino Pass, at an elevation of 1918 meters, connects Moena to Falcade. In the past it was an important route for the Crusades, connecting Germany to Venice, from where pilgrims departed for the Holy Land. The hospice of San Pellegrino, run by pilgrim friars, gave the pass its name. Today it is a renowned ski area, with wide sunny slopes and modern lifts that allow people to experience the mountains even in summer.

 

Soraga Lake

A few kilometers from Moena is Soraga Lake, an oasis of tranquility surrounded by forests and mountains. Also called Lake Pezzè, it is an artificial lake formed by the Avviso barrage and fed by the San Pellegrino stream. It is an ideal place for walks, picnics and moments of relaxation.

 

Alpe Lusia Ski Area

The Alpe Lusia Ski Area, connected to the San Pellegrino Pass, offers 30 km of slopes for all skill levels. It is a paradise for skiers and families, with breathtaking views and high-quality services, as well as summer mountain bike trails and trails for trekkers.

 

Exhibit la Gran Vera

The la Gran Vera exhibition has been open since 2014 and displays a thematic collection on World War I: period photos, original documents, uniforms and war material tell the story of the suffering of the Great War, which saw the surroundings of Moena as an important theater of trenches and battles.

 

La Rete dei Comuni – Castro (LE)

The Network of Municipalities tells the story of many localities that have chosen Ewiva charging stations to embrace the road to change. Among the Italian localities hosting our ultrafast network is Castro, one of the most important jewels of Salento, in the province of Lecce.

 

Castro, breathtaking landscapes

Castro is a picturesque town in Puglia, famous for its thousand-year history and natural beauty. Located along the eastern coast of Salento, the town is formed by a promontory where the medieval area rises, surrounded by the lower part of Castro Marina, which instead develops along the port.

 

Ewiva station in Castro

In Castro (LE) you can find Ewiva’s high-power charging station at Via di Mezzo, 101, less than a kilometer from the historic center. The charging station, which is always accessible, has a charging point that delivers 100kW of power.

 

Not to be missed nearby

 

Zinzulusa Cave

Grotta Zinzulusa is a natural wonder located between Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme. The cave contains prehistoric evidence, paleontological and palethnological finds; as many as 26 aquatic and 40 terrestrial species have been identified inside, creating a unique habitat.

 

Beaches

Castro Marina offers breathtaking beaches. These are developed along a 4-km coastline characterized by small bays, crystal clear water, caves and ravines. The lidos and beaches offer a wide choice of restaurants, clubs and services.

 

Historical center

Castro was also an important fishing center in ancient times and in Roman times was known as Castrum Minervae. The historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets, traditional houses and picturesque views. Here is the enchanting Castro Cathedral, the Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata, a jewel in the heart of the old town, witness to different cultural influences.

 

Aragonese Castle and Archaeological Museum

The Aragonese Castle houses inside it a museum divided into two sections: the first prehistoric, with archaeological findings related to the Zinzulusa and Romanelli caves, and the second dedicated to Messapic culture. Prominent among the exhibits are the majestic statue of the goddess Athena and the magnificent friezes of the temple’s tympanum.

Overshoot Day 2024

Overshoot Day 2024 falls on August 1: this is the day when humanity exhausts all the natural resources the Earth is capable of producing in a year. After this date, humanity begins to live “on credit” to the planet, using resources that cannot be renewed and accumulating an ecological deficit until the end of the year.

 

Due to excessive demand for resources, each year this day comes earlier and earlier: only in 1971 did the day on which the annual resource “budget” was exhausted fall at the end of December. In 2023 Overshoot Day was August 2, and at the current rate of resource exploitation 1.7 planet Earths would be needed to meet human demand. The consequences are ones that each of us can already feel every day: average temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, biodiversity loss accelerates, and health problems for people grow.

 

The Weight of Transportation on Our Ecological Footprint

To date, the transport sector is responsible for one-third of total global greenhouse gas emissions-a figure very close to that for the European Union, where more than two-thirds of total CO2 is emitted by road transport. The EU’s goals are very specific: to reduce emissions from road traffic by 60 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2050, the target date for achieving zero emissions.

 

It is estimated that through this gradual shift from traditional combustion cars to electric cars worldwide, Overshoot day would be postponed by 2.5 days with an even greater impact if the supply of energy from renewable sources to recharge batteries increased. This is why Ewiva uses 100 percent renewable energy to power its ultra-fast charging network. It is estimated that through the more than 800,000 recharges at Ewiva stations through July, more than 18,000 tons of CO2 emissions have been avoided.

 

Everyone can do his or her part

In addition to more structural changes, for which governments, institutions and companies are called upon to act, there are small everyday actions that can have an important impact on the sustainable use of resources, if carried out by each of us.

 

For example, adopting lighting through LEDs in one’s home as well moves Overshoot day forward by almost two days, lengthening the life of clothes and phasing out fast fashion extends the life of the earth’s resources by 6 days, which becomes 13 with the adoption of less wasteful food eating.

 

These actions may seem too small to dent the planet’s resource overexploitation or reverse the course of climate change, but if we could shift the Overshoot day count forward 6 days each year, by 2050 we could bring resource consumption back to parity and avoid overexploitation.

 

 

Formula 1 races towards an increasingly electric future

Formula One has decided to focus even more on the power and reliability of electric. The new guidelines of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which will come into effect starting with the 2026 World Championship, include major changes at the rulebook level and beyond: thanks to an increasing importance of electric components, single-seaters will gain more speed and greater aerodynamics through innovative and efficient technological systems.

 

A new power unit

The power unit is the set of electromechanical energy storage components that power Formula 1 cars; traditionally combustion-based, an electric power component had already taken over in recent years. As of 2026, the new generation of power units will be 50% electrically powered, a percentage that today is around 25%. With this change, the battery contribution increases from 120kWh to 350kWh, a 300% increase in electric power.

 

More acceleration and safety thanks to electric

Formula One cars will no longer be equipped with Drs, the drag system introduced a few years ago to aid overtaking and make racing more spectacular. From 2026 instead of Drs, Manual Override, a hybrid system that allows the immediate acceleration of the electric motor to be used for a longer time in a straight line than a competitor, will be introduced. The FIA’s choice was also dictated by the fact that Manual Override is a safer way to facilitate overtaking than DRS, which can be affected by malfunctions and is more dangerous in adverse weather conditions. This new system, in which the electric is the protagonist, extends the use of maximum power (350kWh), with a top speed of 337km/h instead of 290km/h.

 

These are important changes, in power, for the Bev market as well: the increasingly entrenched adoption of the electric component in Formula One in the future may have an increasing impact on the entire automotive sector.

 

Sources:

https://sport.sky.it/formula-1/2024/06/06/f1-mondiale-2026-fia-regole#08le-nuove-power-unit-f1-sempre-piu-ecologiche-costeranno-un-miliardo.shtml