Ideal Power collaboration with third car maker
Ideal Power Inc, the US company behind the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, is collaborating with a third global automaker. The companies are working together on the use of B-TRAN-enabled contactors to potentially replace electromechanical contactors in EVs.
"Solid-state contactors in EVs are an emerging market and our technology is potentially enabling for this application due to its very low conduction losses and inherent bidirectionality. This represents another engagement for us with the world's leading automakers along with our previously announced engagements with Stellantis and a second Top 10 global automaker," said Dan Brdar, president and CEO of Ideal Power.
Contactors serve as cutoff switches for high voltage applications in EVs. They play a critical role in isolating the battery, inverter, and onboard charger to ensure safety when the vehicle is off or being serviced. Contactors are bidirectional and there are typically 4 to 6 high-power contactors in every EV.
The high-power EV contactor market is forecasted to grow to over $3.7 billion in 2025 and the company believes that, over time, solid-state contactors will potentially displace electromechanical contactors in half or more of this market.
Ideal Power says that Solid-state contactors provide several benefits over electromechanical contactors. They are much faster acting, thereby eliminating arcing and improving safety, and are more reliable as they do not include physical contacts subject to wear. In addition, they provide programmable settings for trip and current limits as well as built-in safety diagnostics. Solid-state contactors are also expected to cost less than electromechanical contactors in EV applications.
