Microvast presents new utility vehicle battery packs

At the IAA Transportation, the US battery manufacturer Microvast presented new battery packs for its 48 Ah and 53.5 Ah cells for use in electric commercial vehicles. There is also initial information on the next generation of the battery management system.

The technical data for battery packs and the underlying NMC pouch cells was previously published in March. To sum up the most important facts: Both cells are NMC chemistry, but have different designs. The MpCO-48Ah has an energy density of 205 Wh/kg and can be charged to 80 per cent in 16 minutes. Microvast gives it a service life of over 7,000 cycles at 25 degrees. The HpCO-53.5Ah, on the other hand, has an energy density of 235 Wh/kg. This cell is specified with over 5,000 cycles at 25 degrees, and the charging time is significantly higher at 48 minutes. This cell can only be charged with 1C, while 3C is possible with the MpCO-48Ah.

Already at the presentation of the new cells, Microvast had also announced the fourth generation battery pack, which is supposed to deliver 20 per cent more energy and power with similar dimensions as before. This information from March was now confirmed at the IAA. The two new cell types are to be able to be integrated into all “Gen-4 packs”, i.e. the MV-B (up to 28.5 kWh per pack), MV-C (up to 42.8 kWh) and the first generation of the new MV-I pack.

As an “all-in-one battery pack”, the MV-I is to be distinguished, among other things, by a cooling plate integrated into the housing. The usual robustness is to be maintained, but at the same time the risk of leakage of cooling liquid is to be reduced. In addition, the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) is also integrated into the housing. Microvast specifies up to 180 Wh/kg as the energy density at pack level. With the MV-I pack, up to 71.3 kWh are possible.

The new cells and battery packs are already available for sample orders and are scheduled to go into series production in the first quarter of 2023 in Huzhou, China.

In addition, Microvast has announced the fifth generation of its battery management system BMS 5.0, which is expected to be available by the end of 2023. Among other things, the system is intended to increase safety and extend battery life – both of which are to be achieved through more efficient and accurate measurements. In addition, the manufacturer promises lower total cost of ownership.

microvast.com (battery packs), microvast.com (battery management system)