FPC boards offer space savings in EV battery packs

9th October 2020

Trackwise

Alex Lynn

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Trackwise Designs has signed a three-year agreement to manufacture and supply flexible printed circuit FPC boards (flexible printed circuit boards) to a UK manufacturer of electric vehicle (EVs). The agreement has the potential to be worth up to £38 million over the period.

The large quantity and precisely defined cell connections and monitoring locations in battery modules are well-suited to FPCs. Using FPCs in EVs saves part count and assembly time, leading to increased efficiencies during build processes. They also save space and weight in the final product, enabling the vehicle to go further on a single charge and reducing vehicle emissions. FPCs produced using Trackwise’ patented Improved Harness Technology (IHT) can be made to any length depending on requirements and manufacturers are no longer restricted to traditional, shorter lengths.

The UK government has ambitions for domestic companies to be at the global forefront of ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) development, manufacture and use. In 2017, their Industrial Strategy included an investment of £274 million into the Faraday Battery Challenge to develop, design and manufacture world-leading batteries in the UK. The resulting increase in green vehicles will contribute to economic growth whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

Commenting on World Electric Vehicle Day on 9th September 2020, UK Business and Industry Minister, Nadhim Zahawi said: “From multi-million-pound investments in electric vehicle charging points to consulting on ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, we’re making certain that the future of UK transport is green.”

Philip Johnston, CEO of Trackwise, added: “The UK was the first major economy to set a legally binding target to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to “net-zero” by 2050. We’re delighted to be working with a UK-based EV manufacturer at the forefront of driving the adoption of sustainable technologies and we acknowledge and are grateful to the support of the Faraday Battery Challenge.

“The selection of Trackwise to help power EVs at scale is a fantastic endorsement of how our technology can help the UK build a robust and reliable domestic supply chain. This in turn will help the government achieve its goal in significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.