2021 Automotive News PACE Awards

2021 - PACE Award Winner WHAT: Battery disconnect unit INNOVATION: Lear has integrated two battery disconnect units into one system, supporting two parallel 400-volt systems enabling safe and rapid charging. The innovation features flat, flex wires that quickly dissipate heat for improved thermal management and reduced component weight. The unit achieves a 20 percent weight reduction, a 32 percent reduction in size and a 135 percent gain in current-carrying capacity. FIRST CUSTOMER: Battery-electric truck WEBSITE: lear.com/technology/e-systems Higher power and range demands for electric vehicles are creating new challenges in design, thermal, assembly, safety, system and operating conditions. Lear’s battery-disconnect unit with Flat Flex Wire assures reliability in possible conditions of erratic thermal management. Lear has integrated two battery disconnect units into one system, supporting two parallel 400-volt systems, enabling safe and rapid charging. The innovation features flat, flex wires that quickly dissipate heat for improved thermal management and reduced component weight. The unit achieves a 20 percent weight reduction, a 32 percent reduction in size and a 135 percent gain in current-carrying capacity.