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International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA is collaborating with Tau Motors, a leader in software-defined power conversion, in a strategic development partnership to create advanced charging solutions for electric vehicles. The primary focus of this cooperation is the development of a “virtually isolated Onboard Charger” (viOBC). The companies aim to bring this innovative product into series production within the next two to three years. This partnership also includes an investment in Tau through HELLA Ventures, the venture capital arm of FORVIA HELLA.
Key Highlights
- A strategic partnership between FORVIA HELLA and Tau Motors to develop next-generation electric vehicle charging solutions.
- The project centers on a virtually isolated Onboard Charger (viOBC) that operates without a traditional transformer.
- The new design reduces the required installation space by up to half and lowers the component’s weight by approximately a third.
- The viOBC achieves an energy efficiency of more than 98 percent and supports advanced features like vehicle-to-grid integration.
- A prototype has successfully completed concept testing, with series production targeted within two to three years.
A Strategic Development Partnership
This collaboration combines the distinct strengths of both companies. FORVIA HELLA contributes its extensive expertise in high-voltage and power electronics, along with its significant industrialization capabilities. In parallel, Tau Motors provides its innovative software-defined technology platform, deep knowledge in power electronics and controls, and its unique product design capabilities.
“The collaboration takes onboard charging to the next level and creates a product that sets new standards in power density,” said Jörg Weisgerber, Managing Director Electronics at FORVIA HELLA. “viOBCs represent another significant contribution to sustainable mobility and strengthens our position as an innovation leader.”
Wesley Pennington, Founder and CEO of Tau, noted the importance of the partnership. “This advanced technology partnership brings together Tau’s software-defined power conversion platform and FORVIA HELLA’s global scale in product, quality, and safety,” he said. “More importantly it aligns groundbreaking technology with industrial excellence to deliver the next generation of high-voltage power electronic and energy management solutions for clean, intelligent mobility.”
Innovations of the viOBC
The virtually isolated Onboard Charger stands apart from conventional solutions because it does not require a transformer for galvanic separation between the AC grid and the vehicle’s DC system. This is achieved through an innovative software and hardware design that ensures full electrical and functional safety.
By eliminating the bulky transformer, the viOBC achieves a remarkably high power density of up to 7 kW per liter of installation volume. This transformerless design is the key to its significant reductions in size and weight. Furthermore, it enables an energy efficiency of over 98 percent during charging, which can lead to lower electricity costs for consumers and CO₂ savings from the reduced vehicle weight. The system is also designed to support grid-supporting virtual powerplant capabilities.
About Tau
Tau Motors, Inc. is an advanced technology company redefining the future of electrification. Tau has pioneered technologies that leverage the company’s software-defined hardware platform to provide industry-leading scale, economics, and performance. By combining deep expertise in power electronics, systems engineering, and advanced control, Tau is accelerating flexible, secure, and sustainable energy systems across industries. For more information, visit taumotors.com.
About FORVIA HELLA
FORVIA HELLA is a listed international automotive supplier and a company of the FORVIA Group. FORVIA HELLA stands for high-performance lighting technology and vehicle electronics. With currently around 36,500 employees at over 125 locations, the company is active worldwide and generated adjusted sales of €8.1 billion in the fiscal year 2024. For more information, visit www.hella.com.
About FORVIA
FORVIA, a global automotive technology supplier, comprises the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA. With over 150,000 people across 40+ countries, FORVIA provides a unique and comprehensive approach to automotive challenges. In 2024, the Group achieved consolidated sales of €27 billion. For more information, visit www.forvia.com.
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