Function & Importance of BMS in Electric Vehicles

A battery management system holds features such as battery balancing, state estimation & modeling which are the key points to optimize & protect the battery in EDVs. This article looks into what BMS is in electric vehicles, it’s prime functions & why our electric vehicles need it.

NiMH batteries or lead-acid batteries were used for storage by plug-in hybrid electric, hybrid electric & electric vehicles earlier. Many manufacturers have turned to lithium-ion batteries in search of higher energy-efficiency. However, these batteries proved to be non-optimal. 

The CEO at Mercedes Dieter Zetsche says,

The intelligence of the battery does not lie in the cell but the complex battery system.

Understanding BMS in Electric Vehicles

A battery management system (BMS) is a regulator that controls & scans rechargeable batteries, although some BMS do not log data.

BMS in Electric Vehicles

Most devices that use rechargeable batteries consist of a battery management system. Commonly used in data centers. Smartphones & cars also include a BMS.  

A BMS works its magic when lined to the vehicle’s computer and all other battery components. It is priced fairly from a range of Rs. 600/- to Rs. 2,000/- 

It is quite the challenge to build a better BMS, bearing in mind that we are short on a dependable method to read the chief measure of a battery, the SoC. The BMS protects the process of discharging & charging by disconnecting the battery if a failure occurs or if the set limits are surpassed. 

The Primary Function of a BMS

The function of BMS in Electric Vehicles

1. It provides battery longevity & safety.
2. It is a must-have if you have Li-ion batteries.
3. From a cell calibration or imbalance to high temperatures, your BMS will prompt service & caution. 
4. The most vital functions are displaying state-of-charge (SoC) & battery protection.

EDVs now have the spotlight on the mall all over the world. We will see an increase in more electric vehicles, from electric scooters to buses & trucks, as the Green Movement enhances in popularity.

Importance of a Battery Management System in EV

Let’s take a look at why a BMS is important for your electric vehicle. It monitors and takes various sensor readings of your vehicle to give you optimum results and data. 

• It times the charging & discharging of your battery & sense the cell voltage. 
• It controls & senses the temperature.
• Low or high cell temperatures usually showcase serious problems along the way. 
• It senses your current. Abnormal current reveals a safety risk. The BMS provides essential data to algorithms that decide the battery’s overall health.
• Reacting & detecting ground faults. 

The first to include supervisory systems were stationary batteries with the most cardinal function of monitoring the voltage of individual cells. 

Whilst the BMS is fruitful in detecting anomalies; the capacity fade is the most predictable health indicator which is difficult to estimate because internal resistance & voltage aren’t usually affected. 

Avoid over-discharged or overcharged batteries. They shorten & damage the life of your battery and could cause a fire or explosion. The battery management system (BMS), with the functions of battery modeling, battery state estimation, battery balancing, etc., is one of the key points to protect the battery and optimize the utilization of the battery in EDVs.

A clever power management system with a novel power-stage component is most likely to advance the lifespan & performance of the vehicle’s battery while accomplishing the tasks to help validate the safety of the battery. 

A battery management system ensures a luxurious life for your vehicle.

Also read: How to Setup EV Charging Station in India?

EV Duniya Editorial: This article is written by Sakshi Nadkarni