New Industry Products

Absopulse 600Vdc Input, 300W Rugged DC-DC Converter/Charger Used in All-Electric Supercar

July 08, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

Absopulse Electronics announced that its HVI 300-600/14, a rugged, high-input voltage dc-dc converter/charger, was selected by the Racing Green Endurance (RGE) team of Imperial College London for use on-board their SRZero, a proof-of-concept all-electric supercar with an estimated range of 400km on one charge.

"The role of HVI 300-600/14 in the SRZero, is effectively the same as an alternator in an internal combustion car, enabling the vehicle’s 600V lithium iron phosphate battery pack to float charge a 12V battery, which in turn powers the car’s low voltage control system. The dc-dc unit delivers 300W continuous output power, ensuring reliable operation of all critical components that run off the 12V system."

Cooling is combined: by conduction to a base plate, and by convection. This compact unit measures 132 x 64 x 300mm (5.2 x 2.5 x 11.8"), and ruggedizing and conformal coating provide added immunity to shock, vibration and humidity, essential for rugged open-road conditions.

The HVI 300-600/14 is priced in the US$350 range at low quantities, depending on options required.

The RGE team is about to take the SRZero on 26,000km (16,000 mile) endurance trip from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina, on the Pan American Highway, the longest highway in the world, to demonstrate the range and endurance of EV (electric vehicle) technology.