The Power of Electric Vehicles: THE VARTA AGM xEV
Battery Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles are becoming more popular every year. Since most of them are still reliant on a 12V battery, it brings new challenges depending on the specific type of propulsion. Electric vehicles (EVs) are classified by their degree of electric powering. Next to the regular Internal combustion engine (ICE) there are three essential electrified types: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). We at VARTA have a name that covers them all: xEV.
xEV: one solution for all EV
The basis of this simple abbreviation system is the suffix "EV" for "Electric Vehicle," which is intended to refer to the electric motor present in all concepts. The “x” is a placeholder for any subtype of EV, e.g., BEV which is Battery Electric vehicle, HEV which is the abbreviation for Hybrid Electric Vehicle and PHEV for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle
A vehicle without an internal combustion engine that is driven purely electrically and has a large high-voltage Li-Ion battery to store the electrical energy.
- 12 Volt Battery
- DC/ DC Converter
- Large high-voltage LiIon battery
- AC/ DC Converter
- High-voltage traction motor
- Electrical power source (charging station/wall box)
HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A vehicle that, in addition to the combustion engine as the main drive, also has an electric motor and a small high-voltage traction battery allowing full electric driving on short distances
- 12 Volt Battery
- DC/ DC Converter
- High-voltage Battery
- AC/ DC Converter
- High-voltage traction motor
- Petrol or diesel tank
- Internal combustion engine
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
An extension of the HEV. This allows the traction battery to also be charged via a charging station or wall box. The high-voltage battery is usually bigger than in HEV, therefore longer distances can be covered fully electric.
- 12 Volt Battery
- DC/ DC Converter
- High-voltage Battery
- AC/ DC Converter
- High-voltage traction motor
- Petrol or diesel tank
- Internal combustion engine
- Electrical power source (charging station/wall box)
The importance of 12V batteries in EV
12V batteries remain as an essential part of any car – even electric vehicles. They are needed to start the EV, support low voltage power needs while driving and in case of an emergency or failure of the high voltage battery. They serve as a second power source to ensure an uninterrupted operation of safety-critical systems such as ABS and ESP even when the high voltage battery is compromised. They are also needed to activate the high voltage drivetrain and support all electric consumers that require power when the ignition is off, such as the central locking system, anti-theft systems and over-the-air-updates.
At your side – with world class AGM batteries
The ADAC breakdown statistics identify discharged 12V batteries as one of the major causes for EV breakdowns. Different factors stress conventional batteries beyond their capabilities. The AGM technology is the most robust choice for EV demands and proved its reliability in millions of different start-stop vehicles and applications. It allows power pulse capabilities which provide electricity in emergency situations as well as high cycling and deep discharge robustness. They also offer inherent safety compared to Li-ion batteries and flooded batteries due to being robust against over and undervoltage, leak proof and having a very mild reaction in the event of any internal short circuits. Based on the maturity of electric vehicles, the 12V battery used may change depending on the model year. Also, a vehicle introduced with SLI technology may transition to AGM throughout its lifecycle. Our battery portfolio covers 90% of all EVs already as we keep expanding and stabilizing the coverage.
You are a professional? Learn more in the VARTA Partner Portal.