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The Drive to Improve Electric Vehicles

With an increasing demand for more efficient vehicles, consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) remains strong. To grow the rate of EV adoption, manufacturers must meet some key challenges head on. For engineers to navigate the complex and evolving EV landscape, forward-thinking and versatile solutions are needed to enhance performance while ensuring safety, durability and compliance. Molex offers a variety of connectivity solutions that meet the power and data requirements for EVs, supporting the development of improved vehicle communication systems and self-driving technology.  

Addressing Electric Vehicle Engineering Demands

Consumer preference for more efficient vehicles is leading to a significant transformation as automakers increasingly invest in EV technology — a complex and costly effort. At the same time, drivers remain concerned about the range of an EV on a single charge and the availability of charging stations. These challenges continue to present major hurdles to adoption. 

Molex helps automakers address some of these challenges with a versatile range of connectors tailored specifically for the complexity of EV systems. These connectors feature modular and space-saving designs that support high power requirements and advanced vehicle functionality, ensuring seamless system integration. Rigorous testing for safety and durability ensures that Molex connectors meet regulatory standards and can withstand the harsh conditions of the automotive environment.

Electric Vehicle Applications

Electric Vehicle Battery Management Systems

Electric vehicles require rugged and reliable connectivity solutions to support battery management systems (BMS), battery packs, and cell-to-battery applications. With the available suite of Molex interconnect options, designers can create flexible, scalable, and reliable battery electronics packages.

Explore EV Battery Management Systems

Electric Vehicle Controllers

4-in-1 EV controller designs require high-voltage power and high-speed data interconnects to seamlessly integrate powertrain functions with a variety of vehicle systems, including safety and communications devices. Molex connectors provide rugged, reliable and modular solutions that enhance efficiency and safety for EV controllers.

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Engineering Challenges in Electric Vehicles

Safe and Reliable High-Voltage Connections

EV systems require high-voltage electrical connections which demand careful attention to reliability and user safety. These critical points of connectivity must be capable of enduring extreme conditions while incorporating measures to prevent dangerous electrical shocks and arcing. Molex provides robust high-voltage connectors specifically designed for EVs, featuring superior insulation, integrated safety interlocks and arc fault protection. These modular connectors offer flexibility for custom configuration and adhere to rigorous industry regulatory requirements, ensuring durable and safe performance in EV applications.

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Dependable Communication Networks

EVs are evolving with multiple electrical applications, each claiming its own portion of onboard data transmission. Advanced powertrains, infotainment systems, autonomous driving technology and other features can produce data bottlenecks, presenting a complex challenge for EV designs. Molex offers a suite of robust data and communications connectors engineered for high-speed data exchange across various vehicle systems. Supporting industry-standard protocols, these connectors are engineered for optimal performance and seamless integration to existing applications. 

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Space-Efficient Design

With continuing pressure to add new functionality within the same tight space, EV engineers face the trade-off between efficiently utilizing the constrained area and improving levels of performance, safety and cost. Modular connector systems from Molex help engineers solve space and design challenges. These small, flexible systems have a reduced footprint and are available in custom configurations for smarter integration and adaptability. With modular, compact connections, automakers can respond to evolving EV technologies while maintaining cost-effective and scalable manufacturing.

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Rethinking Cabling and Control

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Explore Zonal Architecture

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More Connections in Less Space

Swift technological change in vehicle design has resulted in a greater number of electronic features requiring reliable connections and low latency inside the same tight spaces. Find out how Molex collaboration with major automakers has led to the development of micro-miniature components that can withstand the stresses of the automotive environment.

Explore Miniaturization

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Solving Two Key Charging Challenges

As global EV adoption grows, the market is expected to capture 50% of new car sales by 2030. However, challenges like limited driving range, slow charging times and insufficient charging infrastructure hinder this growth. See how technological advancements in battery technology could accelerate charging and expand networks.

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Webinar

Micro-Rugged Optimization for Vehicle Design

As vehicles become more connected and function like data centers on wheels, demand grows for electronics that are smaller, lighter and faster. This webinar addresses the challenges of designing miniaturized vehicle electronics, focusing on market trends, reliability, space optimization and selecting the right connectors.

View On-Demand Webinar

 

 

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