Hyundai introduces new battery management system to prevent EV fires

Hyundai Motor Co’s Battery Management System (BMS) Concept Diagram. [Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group]

Hyundai Motor Group has announced the implementation of a battery management system (BMS) that monitors the condition of battery cells in parked electric vehicles (EVs) across all its EV models. The new system will also introduce an alert feature that notifies both vehicle owners and relevant authorities in the event of any abnormal signs in the battery.

On Thursday, Hyundai Motor and Kia revealed that this advanced BMS would be installed in all Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles. The BMS acts as the brain of the EV, managing and protecting the vehicle’s battery. With the recent rise in EV fires, often linked to malfunctioning battery management systems, Hyundai aims to enhance BMS performance to prevent incidents like the recent fire in Cheongna, Incheon.

The key feature of Hyundai’s BMS is its precise battery system monitoring, particularly while the vehicle is parked. Although other manufacturers’ BMS systems monitor the battery during driving and charging, Hyundai’s system also functions during parking, regularly checking for any signs of abnormalities in the battery cells.

If abnormal signs are detected, the BMS automatically engages safety control measures. Depending on the severity of the issue, the system will notify the vehicle owner. Hyundai explained that owners would receive a message saying, “Abnormal symptoms detected; starting and driving may be restricted.” The company is also working on a system to automatically notify relevant authorities in case of severe issues.

As some local governments, including Seoul, are closely monitoring the risk of overcharging fires, Hyundai has introduced a three-step technology to prevent such incidents. The first step ensures that the BMS controls charging within a safe range. If the charge exceeds the normal limit, the second step is to immediately stop charging. If both of these measures fail, a third step involves activating a separate circuit to forcibly cut off the current.