Hybrid battery‑supercapacitor kit reduces stress on EV power packs

Scientists at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela have filed a patent for a compact hybrid kit that joins a conventional EV battery with a supercapacitor. The combination tackles the principal cause of battery degradation – the rapid, high‑current demands that occur during hard braking, sudden acceleration and frequent speed fluctuations.

The system is built around a single power converter, an inductive filter and an intelligent control module. The converter provides a common link for the battery and the supercapacitor, while the inductor smooths any abrupt changes in current flow. The controller continuously evaluates the vehicle’s power request and directs the appropriate amount of energy from either the battery or the supercapacitor, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical switches.

In controlled experiments, the hybrid arrangement sustained a constant 48 V output even when subjected to aggressive driving cycles. The supercapacitor instantly supplied the required millisecond‑scale power peaks, shielding the battery from stress‑inducing current spikes. These findings suggest a tangible extension of the battery’s cycle life and overall capacity retention.

Target applications include low‑voltage electric platforms such as scooters, motorcycles, e‑rickshaws, cargo tricycles and campus shuttles. The technology also shows promise for autonomous guided vehicles, warehouse carts, DC micro‑grids and renewable‑energy charging stations. After securing the patent, the researchers are open to partnerships with EV makers, power‑train integrators, fleet operators and retro‑fit startups.

Improving battery longevity directly addresses a major cost factor in electric mobility, reinforcing the economic case for wider EV adoption as the Indian market expands.