HOME OF INNOVATION
E-MOBILITY
Setting the Stage
for the Future of
Fast Charging and
Efficiency
AVL’s Lighthouse BEV project marks a noteworthy leap
in electric vehicle (EV) development, combining fast
charging capabilities, optimized energy consumption,
and sustainability.
AVL Lighthouse BEV:
s the EU pushes toward its 2035 goal of zero-emission
vehicles, consumer adoption of EVs has lagged due to
range anxiety and perceived lengthy charging times. To
address this, AVL is developing the “Lighthouse BEV platform”,
aimed at achieving a new standard for fast charging, low
consumption, and aerodynamic design. The goal is to create
a vehicle that mirrors the refueling convenience of traditional
internal com��stion engine ����� ve�icles ��t wit� t�e �enefits
of electric mobility.
Many of today’s best-performing EV’s have made progress
in fast charging, but AVL’s target goes beyond present
expectations. By developing a vehicle capable of charging
500 km of range in just 5 minutes on a 60 kWh battery, AVL
aims to not only match but surpass the capabilities of today’s
top EVs. What sets the Lighthouse BEV apart is the focus on
delivering this performance while remaining competitive on
price and ensuring a low carbon footprint.
To achieve this, AVL is incorporating advanced battery
technology for continuously high C ratings, along with a
powerful thermal management system to maintain optimal
battery temperatures during rapid charging cycles. These
innovations are e��ected to significantly s�orten c�arging
times while maintaining the vehicle's overall performance and
durability.
Beyond fast charging, AVL has concentrated on reducing the
energy consumption of the base vehicle, the Renault Megane
e-Tech. This is realized though aerodynamic optimization,
rolling resistance reduction, and weight improvements. AVL
engineers have lowered the vehicle's energy consumption in a
���� cycle �y �� �, �rom ��.� ������� �m to ��.� �������
�m. �dditionally, ����s �ig��e�ciency �lectric �rive �nit �����
utilizes SiC inverter technology and friction reduction to
ac�ieve an im�ressive � �� � e�ciency, w�ere most c�rrent
���s o�erate at aro�nd �� �.
This has enabled the overall energy consumption of the
ve�icle in t�e ���� test cycle to �e red�ced �y �� � � �rom
13.8 kWh/100 km to 10.3 kWh/100 km.
Looking ahead, the AVL Lighthouse BEV project is set to
redefine ind�stry e��ectations �or �ast c�arging and energy
e�ciency. ��ile t�e ve�icle is still in develo�ment, wit� a
�ro�ect end in ����, t�e �oc�s is s�i�ting toward refining t�e
battery system and further improving fast-charge capabilities.
AVL's dedication to innovation and engineering excellence
promises to deliver an EV that not only meets consumer
demands but leads the market in both performance and
environmental sustainability. This project showcases AVL’s
leadership in shaping the future of electric mobility, where
convenience, e�ciency, and s�staina�ility converge.
AVL High EfÏciency Electric Drive Unit
2024
16 | 17