Some of the industry highlights from the last year.

Magda is the project manager with a knack for some UX/UI design. She’s had a chance to work with many of our clients as well as participating in the creation of our website, which made her well-acquainted with the world of eMobility.

Magdalena Betlińska

While it’ll take some more time till we see the detailed numbers in terms of the sales figures, we might still look at some of the things that influenced the industry in the last year.

And there were some major events that impacted the whole business…

After all the pandemic havoc that happened throughout 2020 and changed the ways in which people commute and travel for what seems like years to come, 2021 was extraordinarily good for electric vehicles. At the time, it broke sales records in nearly all aspects (i.e. new registrations of the electric passenger cars or number of heavy-duty electric vehicles on the roads). Depending on the source, it is estimated that 2021 brought the EV sales to a whooping 6,5 - 6,75 million electric vehicles sold. That lifted the EV’s share in the global market to 8.75% (compared to merely 0,01% in 2010). China was ultimately responsible for this surge in EV purchases with 3.3 million vehicles finding buyers throughout the year – nearly double what had been achieved worldwide just twelve months earlier.

2022 seems to have been doing even better. Some of the first data that are flowing in (usually referring to the first half/first quarter of 2022) already show breaking records. Vehicles with electric power gained serious traction in the first half of 2022, as 4.3 million new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) were delivered - an impressive 62% jump from 2021's figures. Following the imposing figures from the first half of the year, the total 2022 figures 

(as of now - more detailed estimates are certainly to come)

 indicate a monumental shift in the global auto market as electric vehicle sales surged to 10 percent of all new cars purchased worldwide (these stats are supported by LMC Automotive and EV-Volumes.com).

It must be noted that the greatest spikes and most promising-looking forecasts are referring to the passenger cars, the heavy-duty electric transport is still lagging behind even despite its own growth. The biggest obstacle in this case are the insufficient charging networks that vary by a lot between countries, making international traveling with heavy loads rather difficult. As of now, China might be deemed the only state with electric trucks taking up a significant portion of the heavy-duty transport.

While we wait to see detailed 2022 sales information, some of the first-showing data definitely looks more than promising for the future of electric vehicles. What’s worth underlining here is that the spikes occurred despite rather difficult economic conditions triggered by a few big events that happened in 2022.

Promising numbers despite difficult times

While the majority of humankind will probably collectively agree that 2020 was the most distressing year in modern history, 2022 unfortunately had its major setbacks as well. Some of them did in fact impact the eMobility business.

Starting off with the tense situation on the Ukraine-Russia border that eventually transformed into a war, changing the world’s sentiments towards the biggest country in the world followed by major changes in global trade. Russia is one of the leading nickel producers (around 280 thousand tonnes) and leaving it out of the equation, led to drastic turnarounds in the raw materials field.

The uptake in EVs combined with the raw materials situation has essentially come down to skyrocketing prices of cobalt, nickel or lithium. In May 2022 alone, the price of lithium rose to an astronomical seven times greater than at the start of 2021. Despite the troublesome nature of the raw components industry, according to IEA, 

given the current oil price environment the relative competitiveness of EVs remains unaffected.

Second on the list of strokes of ill luck, would be all the environmental issues that happened mostly throughout the second half of 2022. Late summer and autumn of 2022 brought a lot of peculiarities in terms of the potential hazard with grid overburdening all over the world. In fact, in many places some quite substantial issues have been noted. Prime example would be California and its controversy about advising citizens to limit the EV charging time soon after it declared the state ban of selling new ICE cars. With a massive heatwave and temperatures striking above three digits on the Farenheit scale, air conditioners running at full capacity across the state have caused some issues, especially in peak hours. Similar situation happened in China. Record temperatures and droughts were observed, forcing factories to shut down. Sichuan province (home to nearly 84 million people) - of which up to 80% supply is covered by hydropower, placed an order to halt producing operations in 19 major cities. This left many people questioning the grid’s capacity in the context of wide-range governmental advocacy in favour of EVs.

Seeing the hurdles on the eMobility’s way, the ever-growing interest in electric cars and spiking sales figures only look more promising and impressive.

Probably no surprises will bring the fact that Tesla remained the number one electric cars seller in 2022, with a whooping 18% share in battery EVs worldwide. Tesla's newest vehicle Model Y rocketed past its predecessor, the Model 3, to become the highest selling electric car on the market.

However, it must be noted that Tesla takes the first place only when looking at the BEVs exclusively. If we were to take into consideration BEVs +PHEVs, another leader emerges. BYD Auto - a Chinese company in the automotive industry dealing in the production of passenger cars and buses, including electric and hybrid ones, belonging to the BYD Company, which produces electric batteries. The Chinese automaker giant leads the way in BEVs + PHEVs sold. BYD is now also the largest maker of PHEVs.

In terms of the next positions, various sources indicate some bigger or smaller differences, but amongst the top EV companies in 2022 we can certainly find:

General Motors (including brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC)

Smart grids

5 leading in EV sales countries in Europe and factors influencing the plug-in popularity

Depending on where you live, an electric vehicle passing you on the street may either be an unusual view or something so common that you no longer pay attention to it. Although EVs still tend to arouse some controversy, the mass adoption and general uptake can be widely observed. Recent sales figures firmly back up the thesis about the future of transportation being green.

Despite the global economic downfall brought about by the challenges of 2020, the electric automotive market stayed unbothered and, what’s more, grew even stronger. EV global market share increased from 2,5 % in 2019 to 4,2 % in 2020. Given the difficult circumstances, this is a giant leap forward and a very bright ray of hope for the future. While nearly 14% less light combustion engine vehicles were sold, the electric automotive market itself noted a ground-breaking 43% increase. For the first time in years Europe has also superseded China in sales figures and with nearly 1,4 million BEVs and PHEVs registered (137 % more than a year prior), the Old Continent secured the position of a major player in the eMobility world. This can be mirrored in recent big-cheese brands’ actions. Kicked off by Ford Motor Company and their ambitious plan to go fully electric in Europe by 2030, with Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo Group joining the pioneering venture and recent FedEx following in their footsteps and announcing a mandate to reduce the carbon footprint to zero by 2040, the future of transportation seems greener than ever.

A shining beacon of hope can also be observed in forecasts, as most of them anticipate continuing falls in battery prices. According to BloombergNEF’s data, battery cost noted an unprecedented decrease of 89% and is projected to go even lower. This is likely to bring the EV’s prices to a level comparable with the prices of gasoline vehicles and put a stop to controversies surrounding the costs of electric cars. All these factors leave no doubts that mass adoption of electric vehicles is on the verge of reaching a tipping point. In fact, in some countries the barrier has already been broken.

Top EV Selling Countries in Europe in 2020

According to data from industry trackers, the top 5 EV selling countries in 2020 in Europe were:

Having the primacy of the rest of Europe, the above countries all noted plug-in electric vehicles share in sales above 18%. Leading the way, Norway marked a whooping 74.8% in EV sales, leaving the rest behind. Although Germany has not made it to the Big5, it’s worth mentioning that in terms of EVs on the roads it’s the second biggest market after China with 1 out of 8 global plugin sales taking place.

However, even if all those figures look extremely promising, we must remember that high-volume sales in the aforementioned countries are heavily incentivized by various governmental policies and facilitations. Many of which cannot be easily transferred to other states.

Why is e-mobility so popular in those countries?

The impressive figures and advanced, ever-increasing development surely leaves lots of questions. What powered the enlarged demand for EVs? Why do some countries keep on falling behind with mass adoption? Why are there so many differences in sales rates in various parts of the world? What can be done to even out the numbers of electric vehicles on the world’s roads?

This is where things get complicated. Success of eMobility in scandinavian countries, particularly in Norway, is strictly dependent on far-going governmental actions and various policies. Norway started implementing them back in the 1990s and they have evolved ever since. Amongst the most significant facilitations, there are:

Parking fee for EVs was introduced locally with an upper limit of a maximum 50% of the full price

Although, these all look like pretty straightforward and easy-to-implement policies, things get a bit more complex. It has to be mentioned, that Norway’s vehicle import duties and car registration taxes tend to be very high (one of the most expensive in Europe) and waving them off specifically for EVs, make them very attractive for potential buyers. Another notice-worthy factor is that Norway’s median household income (after tax) is around $54000, which is twice as high as the European average. This leaves Norwegians with a lot more consumption’s possibilities.

Similar policies are implemented in other top selling countries, which clearly explains as to why some tend to sell so many EVs. In Iceland, there are also incentives offered to charge point operators, who are well supported in terms of developing the charging infrastructure. In Stockholm, Sweden, owners of electric cars, who subscribe to parking space, are offered with free charging. Swedish facilitations are also projected to get only more advanced, as the government set the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2045. The Netherlands offer a subsidy of $4000 for first EV buyers.

Another game-changing aspect is undoubtedly the infrastructure. It’s one of the cases where demand can be created via market design. In 2019, 26% of European charging stations were located in the Netherlands. Accessibility to a well-structured, effective charging network in many cases plays even more vital role than any financially-oriented incentive. This certainly applies to both, accessibility and the number of charging stations available. Part of the major success behind infrastructure in top selling countries is that they all have normalized the distribution of charging points in the big cities (that is: dedicated for charging spots on parking lots or buildings’ infrastructure inclusive of charging stations i.e. the possibility of charging a car while being at work, as well as facilities for people who live in blocks of flats) as well as stations in less densely-inhabited areas allowing for a longer car rides across the country. Such solutions, apart from making it easy for EV owners to maintain their vehicles, play a huge role in getting other people familiar with the concept of e-mobility.

Well-developed infrastructure also drives the growth of open standards. ElaadNL and Nederland Kennisplatform Laadinfrastrutuur (NKL) are two major platforms for public charge infrastructure in the Netherlands, which help significantly in the seamless maintenance of an EV.

All these factors are heavily dependent on the financial state of the country, its development goals and the advancements in infrastructure and cannot be easily transferred across the globe. Technological solutions, education, environment awareness and the average household income play a huge role in the shaping of eMobility popularity. This, however, does not change the fact that there is hope for everyone.

E-mobility lessons to learn from top selling countries

It goes without saying, that certain practises cannot be widely copied everywhere. However, there is a number of actions that can be slowly but surely taken in order to drive the uptake of electric vehicles in many cities. It all starts with some solid steps taken by authorities. Undoubtedly, some incentives need to be presented to get more and more people to shift from their combustion-engine vehicles to electric ones.

It all starts with some solid steps taken by authorities. Undoubtedly, some incentives need to be presented to get more and more people to shift from their combustion-engine vehicles to electric ones. Kicking it off with investing in electric public transport, may come in handy here. Large amounts of funds are spent on mass transit yearly, allocating these money into emobility solutions may be a first firm step towards an electric future. Such actions would also reinforce major ameliorations on charging networks and infrastructure. Namely, an increased amount of electric vehicles (here: public transport ones i.e. buses) would result in a higher demand for charging stations. This in turn, not only would improve the infrastructure but also would allow local emobility-handling companies to spread their wings and possibly search and find more and more innovative solutions. Surely, this would also contribute to the growth of locally-based open platforms, enabling more people seamless use of the charging infrastructure.

It would be also recommended that undertaken actions go beyond local authorities, all the way to national governments. As much as mirroring Norway’s policies might be impossible in most of the other countries, some practises, especially in terms of parking discounts or some tax reductions, should be implemented. This also applies to paying more attention to the proper education in terms of sustainability and eco-friendly approach. Youngsters should be taught on the importance of environmentally-oriented options as this may heavily influence their future choices.

Although the transition to all-electric cars will certainly take some time, with a solid focus in mind and some work, the future of transportation may turn green sooner than it was initially expected.

5 leading in EV sales countries in Europe and factors influencing their popularity. Learn more about e-mobility strategies.

Top 5 e-mobility countries - what we can learn?

How to Transition Your Fleet to Electric Vehicles? Check some insights!

Being an eMobility leader in various projects across multiple startups, Piotr was responsible for OCPI and OCPP integration as well as EMP and CPO platforms development. With extensive expertise in the open standards field and eMobility tech solutions, he is leading teams of experienced developers and contributing with invaluable knowledge and experience.

Piotr Majcher

How to Transition Your Fleet to Electric Vehicles?

Those who earnestly follow automotive market trends can agree that the future of the industry seems to be going in the electric direction. As much as it sounds like a very bold statement, when diving deep into the courses of the e-mobility market, one can observe a massive shift into the pro-electric approach, a great deal of which comes from the biggest industry players and governmental units themselves

Whether you are an EV enthusiast or an EV skeptic, one thing remains clear - mobility and transport are and will always be one of the greatest and most developing industries in the world. From urban mobility, which allows masses of big cities inhabitants access to work, school, health units, services, and leisure to international heavy transport that drives economics across the nations, people do not back down on movement and only travel more. Besides, rough estimations regarding the number of cars (including trucks and buses) in the world speak for themselves, with a whopping figure of approximately 1.32 billion. What’s more, this number is estimated to double every 20 years.

However, any industry of that scale comes with various consequences. Conversations about the detrimental effects of mobility on the environment have been circling around for years, to a point where some may call them cliche. Yet, there is nothing overdone about it. It is said that emissions from combustion engine vehicles grow by 2,5% year on year. Environmental issues are being taken more and more seriously not only by ecologists but also by state bodies of legislation, driving the change towards green mobility. Pro-electric attitude has also been reinforced through the Covid-19 outbreak as it changed the way people travel and work. With countless discussions on how to make the planet a safer place, entrepreneurs, politicians, and everyday citizens are more drawn towards eco-friendly solutions. Thus, all markets are known for their Earth-damaging side effects set on an ambitious venture of rewriting their goals and implementing new tactics in line with the global trends and regulations.

Speaking of which… state regulations and policies are being implemented on a regular basis across the world. Nearly every regulatory legislation taking on climate-bettering action aims at the transport industry at some point or another. Amongst the most crucial policies we can find:

 - legally binding international plan (signed by 196 countries) obliging all parties to continuous commitments in order to slow down the detrimental effects of global warming and bring the average temperature down by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Due to its grandeur and worldwide inclusivity of participants, it paves the way for regulations to come.

- European action plan of going climate neutral (no greenhouse gases emissions) by 2050. Within the EU Green Deal, a fund of 55-65 billion Euro has been launched. The Just Transition Mechanism will aim to help those most touched by the upcoming regulatory changes and ameliorations implemented on the pathway towards more sustainable solutions such as

investing in public and sustainable transport

investing in research and companies who are willing to lead the changes

the largest stimulus package ever introduced in Europe. 1.8 trillion Euro will be allocated long-term in order to make post-Covid Europe a greener, more digital and more resilient place.

EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and Action Plan 

- consists of 82 initiatives built on the strong foundations of the EU Green Deal with the sole purpose of transforming the transport industry. The project involves a few milestones plotted out within the span of the upcoming years.

at least 30 million zero-emission cars will be in operation on European roads

scheduled collective travel for journeys under 500 km should be carbon neutral

automated mobility will be deployed at a large scale

nearly all cars, vans, buses as well as new heavy-duty vehicles will be zero-emission.

a fully operational, multimodal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for sustainable and smart transport with high-speed connectivity.

Worth mentioning are also the pledges and bans. Namely, various countries announced their own schemes of mass EV adoptions. The pack is led by Norway, which will ban internal combustion engines by 2025 and aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. Following in Norway’s footsteps, there's the UK, the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, or Singapore all planning on the ICE ban by 2030, next China and Japan by 2035, and France, Canada, Portugal or Spain by 2040.

It’s only the tip of the legislative iceberg. Experienced and profound market players already know that in order to stay afloat, an eventual transition to electric mobility is inevitable. Some have already put it to work.



This may come as a surprise how many major companies are already somewhere in the process of electrifying their fleets. Ceres, a non-profit organization fighting for a sustainable future, has even launched an alliance bringing together the transitioning companies. Among The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, one can find:

Within the project, the companies come together to identify challenges and finding solutions on the meandering road towards zero emissions. As per Ceres’ official statement, the alliance enables:

Production of new and increased volumes of EV models,

Adoption of supportive policies and the removal of policy barriers, and

Peer-to-peer learning with regard to industry best practices

Looking at the brand examples or the strategies introduced by governments, it is no exaggeration to claim that the transition to electrified fleets is slowly but steadily already taking place. However, since it is a massive shift, requiring inordinate amounts of work, many people ask what the benefits are other than the environmental ameliorations.


What’s in it for me? (That’s not for the environment)

Starting off with a popular misconception about how expensive electric cars are. EVs reached the times when their cost, in many cases evened out with their ICE equivalents, and - what’s essential - it gradually lowers. According to Bloomberg's data, battery cost noted an unprecedented decrease of 89% and is projected to go even lower. While the overall purchase cost evens out, it is estimated that EV maintenance cuts the expenses by up to 70%. With minimized noise and simple operation (reduction of one pedal), electric cars come to help professional drivers to a better working condition. Finally, as an old saying goes, the sooner the better. With incoming legislation targeting the polluting combustion engines, it might slowly become inevitable that such changes will come as a must rather than a fashionable pipe dream.

The process of transitioning to electric vehicles is a daunting task for many operators. With the abundance of available models, it can be hard to know which one best suits your needs and budgeting structure. The first step in this journey should entail learning about local grid capacity or reliability then comparing performance between different EV's evaluating focus areas such as price point versus efficiency vs range per charge cycle to make sure that you are making an informed decision before committing any capital investment into new equipment. Fleet managers will want an EV deployment plan that minimizes the cost and maximizes management benefits. Spread new EV acquisitions across a number of years to avoid any major backlog in-vehicle replacements, with subsequent budgets benefiting from lower prices over time as well as higher resale values. Avoiding large-scale adoption at once may also help fleet managers identify fiscal impacts each year for better budgeting, which is especially important given heavy infrastructure investments often required for EVs like charging stations or hydrogen filling stations.


In order to prepare for the future, it is important to think about your long-term plan and identify when vehicles will charge. Make sure that you do trenching and wiring required in advance for whatever type of charger infrastructure might be needed down the line so as not to have any unexpected surprises with installation later on. It is also very beneficial if staff members are trained by EV manufacturers or dealerships before they come into contact with customers who may want information during their purchase process; this way all employees can handle questions easily without having someone's job change unexpectedly due to lack of experience related specifically to EVs themselves.

Things to consider when transitioning to e-mobility

There are many factors that need thorough consideration before making the leap into an all-electric program, including weather conditions of various areas in which these cars would be used, length of routes on which they are driven, staff availability as well as fleet housing options near the workplace - all must be taken into account when considering this transition. This also touches upon smart time slotting. When shorter periods of time between recharging sessions are possible, high-voltage chargers may be required; whereas if there are longer intervals before charging again can take place (for example, overnight and early morning hours), slower voltage chargers should suffice.

Statistical study and industry research including energy efficiency

The first thing an organization should do when considering a complete shift over from its current fuel source, typically gas or diesel vehicles, into electric vehicles (EV) is conduct thorough market research about what types they need among other things like how much power each car requires (i.e., charging rate). It's also important for them to take note if there are any specific requirements regarding driving distance.

Charging infrastructure is difficult to find and decide on because there are many different charging standards. When converting a fleet of cars to electric, it's daunting if the company can't upgrade equipment down the line or attach themselves with one specific vendor for all their needs. Market research should be done before settling on any type of charger so that you'll know how soon new industry-wide changes will happen in this area.

Also, EV power consumption needs to be factored in. Simple or complicated calculations depend on the latitude of operations: for example the number of days it's hot and sunny vs rainy will affect how much solar energy is available (or not). When discussing an electric vehicle’s electricity usage we must take into account factors such as miles driven per day, route selection that can vary depending upon what time you are driving along a given road segment during any given week due to different traffic conditions at those times. It also should take things like weather into consideration when analyzing this data - if there has been heavy rainfall then less sunlight might reach photovoltaic panels which could reduce their output efficiency.

Understanding a fleet’s energy consumption and charge times can help organizations optimize chargers based on operational needs. High-powered chargers are needed to charge an electric car quickly. But when you have limited time, it may be more efficient and cost-effective to use a charger with lower power levels because they're cheaper than high-powered ones. The downside is that the low-power chargers might not provide enough energy for your car during periods of operation

The future is uncertain, but it's never too early to start planning for the next generation of electric vehicles. A company needs a plan on how it will keep up with EVSEs in order to make sure that its investments are not lost before being exploited. The key is carefully selecting more future-proofed equipment so your organization has something ready when needed and can avoid investing in an outdated piece of technology right now.

With the increasing amount of EVs coming out and being put into service, it is important that facilities are ready to accommodate this change. There's a few steps you can take in order to prepare for an influx of electric vehicles (EVs). One way would be by reviewing existing electricity infrastructure on-site and assessing if there will be enough capacity for such charging demand. Estimating final state costs will then help determine whether or not upgrades need to happen before initiating any changes.

Transitioning an entire fleet is quite a task and requires thorough research. It is no use spending money on technology that will soon go out of the market. Smart spending scheduling is also the key to efficiency without going bankrupt. Financial analysis is an important part of EV implementation and a consideration that should not be overlooked. For example, while the initial cost may seem very high in comparison to traditional vehicles with conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel fuel, EV infrastructure can last for decades if well-maintained due to their reliance on cheaper energy sources such as electric power. It's also worth considering how your area offers incentives related to taxation, utility rates etc., which will affect your overall financials over time.

The right software is the key to a seamless operation on many levels. One such way is through driver reimbursement systems which are now automatic with home chargers and time-of-use tariffs that allow drivers to optimize charging times while receiving reimbursements accordingly. Companies can provide flexibility by allowing private charging as well as software that automatically identifies non-work-related travel, so they don't receive a refund on those charges The importance of real-time visibility and status has become increasingly important in the world today. With so many electric cars on the road, it becomes even more necessary to have a tool available that will deliver your charger's performance uptime. This way, you'll be able to know whether or not there are any issues with charging stations nearby as soon as they happen while also providing detailed information about how much revenue is earned from each station based on hourly usage rates for all days during operation since data analytics can detect potential defects at this stage too.

While looking for the best software (like 

) it is crucial to check its scalability and comprehensiveness. That is i.e. the integration with Open Standards or functionality of RFID-based charging. Namely, such core features are later to define an effectively-operating charging maintenance solution.

Planning is a crucial part of the EV fleet strategy, from purely technical issues to an entire network of interconnected factors such as financial analysis or grid capabilities. Certainly, this wouldn't be an overnight occurrence. It's more of a multi-dimensional major shift from the ways of operating as we know it, to the next level, sustainably advanced solutions that will inevitably become the future of transport.

With the ongoing changes within the transport industry, the switch to all electric vehicles becomes inevitable. Take a look on how to proceed with a fleet transition in an efficient way.

See what's behind the electronic system that controls the lithium-ion batteries in EVs

Being a co-founder of Solidstudio, Paweł has got to see all the development phases. He’s a skilled professional with years of experience, both in the software and in the eMobility worlds.

Paweł Głogowski

, we’ve briefly touched upon some of the emerging technologies in the world of eMobility. One of them (admittedly, not-so-emerging as it's been going on for a while) was the 

 used in EVs. It’s now time to shed some more light on what it is.

Surely, the batteries may be regarded as the core of any electric vehicle. Essentially, it is what gets the car going. It’s also what determines to a great extent how appealing an EV can get for the potential buyers. Thus, ensuring the battery runs smoothly, safely and efficiently is paramount in the EV formation process. Here’s where BMS kicks in.


) is a system that monitors and manages a rechargeable battery (or group of batteries), such as those found in electric vehicles, UPS systems, and solar energy storage systems.

The BMS is responsible for protecting the battery from operating outside its safe limits, maximizing its lifespan, and providing accurate information about the battery's state of charge, state of health, and current capacity. 

In short, its primary functions can be narrowed down to ensuring the battery remains safe and reliable.

A BMS typically consists of a control unit, sensors, and connection wires. The control unit may be a separate device or integrated into the battery pack. The sensors monitor various parameters of the battery, such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge. The connection wires carry power and data between the battery and the BMS.

The control unit uses the information from the sensors to determine when to charge or discharge the battery, how much power to allow in or out, and whether the battery is operating within its safe limits. If the battery is operating outside its safe limits, the BMS will take action to protect the battery, such as disconnecting it from the load or shutting off power altogether.

The BMS may also provide information about the battery to a user or system, such as the current state of charge, state of health, and remaining capacity. This information can be used to optimize the performance of the system in which the battery is used.

A BMS typically includes safety features to protect the battery, such as overcharge and over discharge protection, short circuit protection, and thermal runaway protection. These safety features help to prevent damage to the battery and ensure that it operates safely.

The BMS may also include features to maximize the lifespan of the battery, such as balancing. Balancing equalizes the voltage of the cells in a battery pack, which helps to prevent capacity loss and extends the lifespan of the battery.

Battery management systems are used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, UPS systems, and solar energy storage systems. BMSs are an important part of these systems, as they help to protect the battery from damage, extend its lifespan, and provide accurate information about the battery's state.

With lithium-ion, an average battery module consists of packs of single battery cells. That is because a singular cell doesn’t hold enough capacity to power the bigger establishments. In such cases (where there are multiple modules connected to make up for a battery) monitoring and managing becomes rather complicated, as the singular cells can charge differently.

BMS collects data gathered from the batteries (in real-time) and based on the information it acts accordingly. Amongst the parameters collected  there are:

Once these are collected, the BMS system will process it. The outcomes of such processing is the below data:

State of charge (SOC)- an estimation of how much charge the battery currently has - while in use

State of health (SOH) - an estimation of the capacity/condition of the battery, it measures how well the battery is able to hold a charge

Issues - monitoring and addressing any recognized malfunctions

Based on the outputs, the BMS then takes action to protect the battery, such as turning off charging when the SOC is full or shutting down the system when a cell is over temperature.

There are two main types of BMSs. The first is a 

, which uses one control unit to manage all of the battery cells in the system. The second type of BMS is a 

, which uses multiple control units to manage the battery cells in the system.

The main advantage of using a centralized BMS is that it is simpler and cheaper to design and build. The main disadvantage of using a centralized BMS is that if the control unit fails, the entire system will fail.


The main advantage of using a distributed BMS is that it is more resilient and can continue to operate even if one or more of the control units fails. The main disadvantage of using a distributed BMS is that it is more complex and expensive to design and build.

Which type of BMS is best for a given application depends on the specific requirements of the application. For example, if cost is the primary concern, then a centralized BMS may be the best choice. If reliability is the primary concern, then a distributed BMS may be the best choice.

In terms of the use of BMS in automotive, it doesn’t differ from any other means. It helps to ensure that the battery pack lasts for as long as possible and performs at its best. A well-designed BMS can make the difference between a battery pack that lasts for years and one that needs to be replaced frequently. This can have a significant impact on the overall cost of ownership of an electric vehicle.

Amongst the vital aspects that get covered by BMS in EVs, there are:

Thermal management - much like any other batteries, the ones installed in EVs can overheat. With thermal management, the censor units control the temperature and, if it get too high, they trigger the cooling mechanisms

Discharge and charge control - the primary function of any BMS is to protect the cells within the battery pack from being over-discharged or overcharged. To do this, the BMS will cut off the discharge path when the cell voltage drops below a certain threshold, and will also cut off the charging path when the cell voltage reaches a higher threshold.

Battery balancing - In order to ensure that all the cells in the battery pack are at the same voltage, the BMS will occasionally "balance" them by equalizing the voltages of all the cells. This is usually done during charging, when the cell voltages are highest.

Communication and Safety monitoring - Some BMS systems also have a communication interface that allows them to be connected to a computer or other devices. This can be used for firmware updates, data logging, or even remote control of the BMS. Additionally, BMS systems have built-in safety features that can monitor the system for faults and take appropriate action if a problem is detected.

Short recap of eMobility in 2022

27 JANUARY 2023 • 4 MIN READ