IAV, a Berlin-based engineering service provider, demonstrated a modular platform for battery electric vehicles that supports the construction of small cars to light commercial vehicles. The electric modular system should make the development of BEV "faster, cheaper and more sustainable".
The Berlin-based company developed a platform with a power range of 100 to 440 kW, a battery capacity of 27 to 115 kWh, and a voltage rating of 400 to 800 volts. It can also use silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) simultaneously in power electronics. According to IAV, the flat electric drive system platform will provide a wide range of variants for all vehicle models and their drive topologies. For example, the company cited the choice between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and optional additional features, such as torque vectoring, to increase driving dynamics.
IAV stated that it has actually generated and evaluated approximately 24 million technically feasible powertrain variants. According to the company's headquarters, simulation tools are used to systematically change and combine major systems such as batteries, motors, inverters, and transmissions. The result: "Through the modular E-kit, we can meet the requirements of the entire fleet we define. We can also range from low-cost solutions to high-performance versions of vehicle categories, such as SUVs," Rene Kockisch, head of the IAV system development mechanics team explain.
In the following video, IAV specifically showcases five platform types: a 400-volt front-wheel drive model suitable for small cars, with a battery capacity of 27 to 42 kWh, a power of 100 to 130 kW, and a torque of 2,000 to 2,800 Nm. The next larger platform, with 400 or 800 volts and rear or all-wheel drive, can provide 42 to 70 kWh, 100 to 300 kW and 2,800 to 5,600 Nm. Another medium-sized platform-also with 400 or 800 volts and rear or all-wheel drive, but with battery capacities of 62 to 70 kWh, 130 to 370 kW and 2,800 to 6,950 Nm.
These are joined by two larger 800-volt platform variants, each with 70 to 115 kWh. The former is an all-wheel or rear-wheel drive model with a power of 150 to 440 kW and 3,500 to 8,300 Nm, and the latter is designed as an all-wheel or front-wheel drive model with a power of 150 to 300 kW and 3,500 to 6,950 kW.
In addition to flexibility, IAV's EV platform is said to be particularly convincing in terms of sustainability. The Berlin-based company claims to have developed a special eco-design based on the life cycle analysis of battery selection, in particular, "an extremely resource-saving solution that can help reduce battery production through better material selection. The carbon dioxide emissions, connection technology, disassembly and recycling are higher than in the production of traditional energy storage".
Erik Schneider, IAV's E-Traction and Hybrid Powertrain Director, described the platform as the key to mastering the diversity of variants and reducing development time, especially the reduction of product costs through economies of scale. In addition, "Affordability and sustainability are the two major challenges facing electric vehicles. The consistent implementation of platforms in ecological design can make electric vehicles more affordable and sustainable."
IAV has used electric drive system platforms in various projects, and customers need subsystems or complete electric drive system solutions. The company has more than 8,000 employees worldwide, and according to its own statement, its customers include "all well-known car manufacturers and suppliers." In addition to traditional vehicle and powertrain development, IAV has now established a broad foundation in the field of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. In addition to development centers in Berlin, Gifhorn, and Chemnitz/Stalberg, IAV has other locations in Germany, including Munich, Sindelfingen, and Ingolstadt. Only recently did the service provider announce its intention to establish a new development center near Stuttgart.
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