Technology is developing rapidly in the automotive sector, and especially rapidly in the world of electric vehicles. It wasn’t long ago that the original Nissan Leaf took the world by storm, boasting an EPA-rated range of 75 miles, 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. These numbers were enough to give the Leaf solid success on the showroom floors, but in 2025 we expect much more from our electric vehicles.
The most advanced production models now boast more than 1,000 horsepower and a range of more than 400 miles on a single charge. One of the most prominent reasons why electric vehicles are becoming more effective and efficient is the shift taking place from 400- to 800-volt architectures. That number – whether 400 or 800 – refers to the rated voltage of a given EV. The car’s voltage fluctuates depending on factors such as charge status and temperature. For example, a 400-volt EV can operate anywhere from 300 to 450 volts.
While most electric vehicles are still built with 400-volt systems, many automakers are looking to transition to 800-volt systems soon, with some already in place. This will bring numerous benefits in efficiency and performance, although a significant drawback to 800-volt systems is preventing other automakers from making the switch.
800 volt systems are much more efficient, but they come at a cost
One of the biggest advantages of an 800 volt system is that it requires half the amperage of a 400 volt system to achieve the same charging speed, since multiplying voltage by amperage gives the charging speed. Faster charging speeds lead to more losses, so lowering the current and increasing the voltage makes the entire process more energy efficient.
Another win for the 800 volt system is that, due to the lower amperage in the EV, thinner cables can be used. Thinner cables mean less resistance and less heat, which is more efficient and makes heat management easier. And thinner cables are lighter, reducing the overall weight of the EV, further improving efficiency and performance. Less heat flowing through the battery also benefits battery health and life, although 800-volt electric vehicles haven’t been in production long enough to get a really accurate picture of battery degradation.
If this all seems like a win-win-win in favor of the 800 volt systems, that’s because, for the most part, it is. However, there is one major drawback to the 800 volt designs, and that is the cost. The 400-volt technology is older, established and proven reliable. The cost of components is significantly lower, and this all translates into a more affordable final product. The 800-volt electric vehicles are all well and good, but if they are beyond the reach of the average motorist – especially now that US tax breaks have been eliminated – their effectiveness must be questioned.
There are 800 volt electric vehicles on the road
We already have some electric vehicles on the road that use 800 volt systems. Rimac, for example, pioneered the technology when it launched its quad-motor hypercar, the Nevera, which boasted a mind-boggling 1,914 horsepower. In more accessible circles, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 use similar 800-volt frameworks, as do the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-Tron GT.
However, this is just the beginning. BMW has already expressed its desire to use 800-volt architecture for its Neue Klasse model range, and Mercedes wants to do the same with its larger EQ models and the upcoming new CLA. Volvo appears to be heading in the same direction with the updated EX90, suggesting that such frameworks will become the norm rather than the exception in the coming years.
This would translate into more efficient electric vehicles with faster charging times, and perhaps also more efficient charging stations, as these are currently typically geared towards 400-volt systems. On the other hand, it could mean that – at least initially – the price of electric vehicles will start to rise. Production costs may drop once the technology goes mainstream, but until then, it appears consumers will have to reach deeper into their wallets to get behind the wheel of the next generation of 800-volt electric cars, or automakers will have to cut their profits.
#differences #volt #electric #vehicles #Jalopnik