Scalvy validates modular battery architecture for EV powertrains
Scalvy has reported early validation results for a modular battery architecture developed in collaboration with Valeo, aiming to rethink how power is distributed and managed in electric vehicles. The concept was evaluated under automotive operating conditions using standardised test cycles.
For eeNews Europe readers, the development reflects ongoing efforts to simplify EV powertrain design while potentially improving efficiency and thermal performance. It also points to a broader shift toward distributed power electronics in next-generation vehicle platforms.
Moving from centralised to modular power conversion
Conventional EV architectures typically rely on separate high-voltage components such as inverters, DC-DC converters and onboard chargers. Scalvy’s approach replaces these with smaller, distributed modules, referred to as Power Neurons, positioned closer to the battery packs.
According to the company, this modular setup enables power conversion and control at the edge of each battery module, potentially reducing switching and conduction losses associated with centralised systems. The architecture is designed to scale across different vehicle classes and to remain independent of specific battery chemistries.
The joint study with Valeo evaluated the system using the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Cycle (WLTC), providing a benchmark for performance under conditions that approximate real-world driving.
Efficiency, thermal behaviour, and battery management
During testing, Scalvy reported inverter efficiency reaching 98.3 percent at 10,000 rpm and 65 Nm torque. The system also maintained motor temperatures below 62°C and power device temperatures below 65°C, with no hotspot formation observed.
At the battery level, the modular design enables individual state-of-charge control. This could help prevent imbalance between battery modules, which is a known limitation in conventional pack designs. Scalvy indicates that this approach maintained minimal deviation between module charge levels during WLTC testing.
The company also highlights pulse-like current behaviour from distributed switching, which may reduce localised thermal and electrical stress. Combined with improved charge balancing, this could contribute to faster charging and a reported increase in battery lifetime of up to 15 percent, although this would need validation in broader real-world deployments.
“These results are the culmination of a long-standing partnership with Valeo,” said Mohamed Badawy, co-founder and CEO of Scalvy. “We are now focused on advancing this technology further as we prepare to provide power neuron samples to our growing list of waitlisted customers.”
Valeo also emphasised the early-stage nature of the work. “These results, achieved in a short time, are highly encouraging and allow us to advance the readiness level of this architecture concept,” said Farouk Boudjemai, Inverter Platform Advanced Development Director at Valeo.
Scalvy plans to continue field testing with selected automotive partners and aims for commercial production around 2027, subject to further validation and certification.
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