New Flexible DC-DC Power System for Next Gen Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

[NeilBlanchard]

This is good! Use one DC-DC converter for battery packs and ultracapacitors, and supply all the various voltages needed in the vehicle.

Green Car Congress: Consortium Developing New Flexible DC-DC Power Electronics System for Next Generation Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

[will88]

Awsome

[RobertSmalls]

Surely you could at least get the batteries, capacitors (if any), and motor to agree on voltage. With the trend towards cheaper and larger batteries, this is especially true. So, supposing you want 400V for propulsion, 120V for steering and A/C, and 12V for accessories, you need three DC/DC converters. I don't see the difference between this "flexible converter" and three old-tech converters boxed up in the same housing (as my car's DC/DC converter and inverter are).

I do have to comment on that picture, though. I see a RWD EV with single speed transmission, airy wheels and low profile tires, and independent rear / double wishbone front suspension. Looks like fun, but it's probably not built for good Wh/mi.