Evolution of flexible modular electric vehicle platforms among automotive industry and its influence on battery integration

The recent increase in electric vehicle (EV) growth influencing the need for dedicated EV platform development work among vehicle manufacturers. The EV Platform is an aggregation of sheet metal components, battery pack and electric powertrain components. The platform architecture influences design, development & integration of battery pack into vehicle and the lead time for new product development and Time to Market (TTM). This article discusses the evolution of conventional Body in White (BIW) to flexible modular skateboard platforms in EV segments and how it influences the battery pack integration. It discusses the benefits and challenges in the platform workstream and how automakers are preparing for a shift from conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) derivative platform to native EV platform to take advantages in policy decisions and scale benefits on the overall EV ecosystem. © 2021. MechAero Foundation for Technical Research & Education Excellence.