Boosting the speed of electric vehicle charging currently involves raising the network voltage; consequently, on-board electronics need corresponding upgrades to handle the amplified power demands. Toray Industries has engineered an enhanced capacitor film capable of slashing battery charging times to just 20 minutes using an 800-volt system.
Image source: Toray Industries
As the Nikkei Asian Review details, this capacitor film innovation leverages existing 400-volt charging station technology. With this technology, replenishing the range of a typical electric vehicle takes 40-50 minutes. Doubling the voltage significantly cuts charging time proportionally.
While Tesla maintains its reliance on a 400-volt architecture, Porsche, Hyundai Motor, and several Chinese automakers are already embracing 800-volt systems. Toray’s advanced film, designed for automotive-grade capacitors, enables 800-volt compatibility, thereby facilitating faster EV charging. This advancement also allows for smaller, lighter capacitors, ultimately extending vehicle range.
Currently commanding 60% of the market, Toray aims to boost its primary Japanese production facility’s output by 60% this year. The firm forecasts a threefold expansion of the automotive capacitor film market by 2028, prompting plans for new manufacturing facilities to satisfy escalating demand.
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