The technologies powering electric vehicles (EVs) are advancing rapidly, allowing these vehicles to go further, accelerate faster, charge quickly, and more. Though the EV spotlight is usually focused on battery technology and improvements, capacitors also play a crucial role in delivering power for optimal performance. Capacitors sit between the electric motor and battery, storing additional energy that can be discharged much more rapidly than the battery, allowing for bursts of power that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Peak has created a new family of metamaterials called NanoPlex™, which can be manufactured for a variety of applications, including for use in film capacitors. Our NanoPlex-based capacitors will increase the power and performance of next-generation EVs - and here’s how:
One significant advantage of NanoPlex-based capacitors is their ability to improve the range of electric vehicles. These capacitors offer substantial weight savings compared to traditional Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) capacitors by eliminating the need for secondary cooling devices, as NanoPlex engineered for capacitors has higher temperature thresholds. This reduction in weight translates directly to increased distances that EVs can travel on a single charge, making them more efficient and practical for longer journeys.
By discharging energy more efficiently, NanoPlex-based capacitors optimize raw acceleration in passenger EVs and maximize the torque in larger and heavy-duty electric vehicles like semis, buses and trucks that need to transport substantial cargo. By providing the necessary burst of power, NanoPlex capacitors ensure that these vehicles can achieve the required acceleration and torque to move efficiently, allowing EVs to better compete with the performance of gas-powered vehicles.
The faster discharge capability of NanoPlex capacitors reduces the demand on the vehicle's battery, thereby extending its usable life. This both lowers the total cost of ownership for EVs and enhances their reliability and longevity. By minimizing the strain on the battery, NanoPlex-based capacitors help in maintaining optimal performance over a more extended period, making EVs a more viable option for consumers and businesses alike.
Traditional capacitors often require complex thermal management systems to prevent overheating. NanoPlex-based capacitors help simplify an EV’s powertrain layout by eliminating the need for additional cooling measures. This reduction in cooling requirements lowers the overall build costs and allows a more streamlined and efficient vehicle design.
NanoPlex-based capacitors will enable the use of next-generation high frequency switches that allow for faster charging of electric vehicles. This quicker charge times will help make EVs more convenient for long trips.
The integration of NanoPlex films into electric vehicle capacitors will represent a significant advancement in EV technology. By improving range, optimizing power delivery, extending battery life, reducing cooling requirements, and decreasing vehicle weight, NanoPlex-based capacitors will address some of the most critical challenges faced by the EV industry. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, innovations like NanoPlex will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.