Nuertingen – Hofer Powertrain, a technology and engineering partner of the automotive world, has announced a breakthrough in electric powertrain technology. The company’s engineers have developed a pioneering battery system equipped with high-power battery cells that promise fast charging speeds of up to 3.75 MW. This innovation is a result of the company’s R&D project “BlueFire,” which began in 2019.
The BlueFire battery system has been developed using market-leading BMS and fast-charging CCS DC wallbox technology. The battery was installed in a racing kart and subjected to a series of tests under load and real road resistance. The results of these tests significantly exceeded expectations, demonstrating the battery’s and system’s functionality and performance within the powertrain system. The BlueFire battery showed high cycle stability, with a recharge time of less than 90 seconds from 5-85% S0C.
This initial pilot project showed that the BlueFire battery is ideal for 24-hour endurance races due to its fast charging times. It can also be scaled to fit different applications. The company’s engineers are now focusing on increasing the energy density in the cells of the BlueFire battery while reducing their weight.
Gerold Sluka, a senior battery expert at Hofer Powertrain, says that the BlueFire battery system will make electric endurance races more exciting. With fast charging times during pit stops, the sports cars can return to the circuit in no time, creating a thrilling experience for fans. Initial discussions with interested parties and investors have received positive responses.
