The need to extend the range of electric vehicles is pushing automakers to adopt higher battery voltages. Most passenger EVs are powered by a 400-volt battery pack, while electric buses and trucks are powered by 600-volt battery packs. Now, OEMs are starting to adopt 800-volt battery packs for passenger vehicles.
An EV battery pack consists of many individual cells connected in series. Each cell supplies 3.1 to 4.2 volts. A nominal 800-volt system contains approximately 198 cells in series, giving an overall pack voltage of 610 to 835 volts. In contrast, a lead-acid battery for a gas-powered car contains six cells in series, for an overall voltage of 12 volts.