Electronic equipment manufacturer LG Innotek, part of the South Korean LG conglomerate, said it had developed a wireless battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles (EVs) which it said “drastically improves battery performance”.

The company said its technology would be introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2024) in Las Vegas next month. BMS monitor and control EV batteries, helping to increase their life cycle while maximising safety and performance.

LG Innotek claimed its wireless BMS was a game changer for the EV industry in terms of battery pack design, performance and reliability because it eliminates the need for significant cables and connections, allowing for weight reductions of up to 198lb and freeing up to 15% of battery pack space which could be used for additional battery cell capacity if required.

LG Innotek said its wireless BMS was compatible with most communication chips and the high voltage availability (up to 800v) allowed for faster charging. The system is embedded with a radio frequency (RF) communication module that combines essential components for wireless communication such as a RF communication chip and antenna into a single unit for the first time.

The company said another key benefit of a wireless BMS was improved reliability, as it removed the potential for connector failure due to vibrations. It also made battery pack assembly less complicated allowing the process to be automated.

Mass production is scheduled to start in 2024 with annual sales expected to exceed US$1bn by 2028.