Changing Automotive Landscape Introducing New Challenges in Electro-Mechanical Engineering​ ​

With EVs fast gaining traction in the automotive space, the demand for integrated high voltage electrical distribution systems for alternative drive trains like full electric, hybrid, and fuel-cell driven vehicles is increasing. In such circumstances, OEMs need to ensure that a vehicle's mechanical and structural design is aligned with the evolving electrical architecture requirements to negate issues like wiring bundle diameters and minimum bend radii. Furthermore, with electrical and mechanical engineers working in tandem, E/E system packaging, design change control, and release management will be indispensable in maintaining design integrity and data coherency required for seamless EV mobility.

Alternatively, when the design and implementation of E/E systems for vehicles are taken into consideration, OEMs and suppliers are faced with several challenges, such as

• New safety considerations for HV systems guided by regulations
• Multiple voltage levels for vehicle powertrain and other on-vehicle devices require the separation of wiring systems through verification and automated testing of electrical system design.
• Previously unrelated systems are fast becoming interdependent such as braking power electronics and energy storage in EV braking systems.​
• Packaging challenges increase as OEMs try and fit the largest HV battery within the vehicle to cater to increased power requirements. ​