Next-gen Mercedes EV batteries to be inspired by Xmas lights

Mercedes-Benz has admitted the humble Christmas lights you decorate your tree with helped inspire an invention that could radically change the way it builds future EV batteries.

Current battery technology works by wiring individual battery-cells in series like the infuriating twinkly lights we hang in our windows over the holiday season.

The problem, like the lights, with this arrangement is the battery pack is only as powerful as the weakest cell.

That will change in the future thanks to tiny new micro-converter that will see battery-cells mounted in parallel, or pairs, which will enable the individual control of each cell.

The new tech means that the entire battery pack can now provide a constant output of 800V regardless of an individual cell’s state-of-charge, and this breakthrough is set to not only boost future EVs’ range, but also enhance bi-directional charging.

Other weirder approaches could see the battery segmented and see multiple chemistries used within the cell, with cheaper lithium iron phosphate chemistry used for your commute and daily charged, while a more exotic mix of elements like nickel manganese cobalt will be used for long-range travel.

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