BMW, Lumissil Test Power Line Battery Communication
The 800 V demonstration on the BMW Gen6 battery system uses existing electrical infrastructure instead of dedicated communication wiring.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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BMW Group and Lumissil Microsystems demonstrated Power Line Communication across a complete BMW Gen6 800 V battery system, the battery launched in the new BMW iX3 in 2026. The technology enables communication between the central battery controller and cell monitoring circuits through the battery's existing electrical infrastructure.
Why it matters
The approach removes the need for dedicated communication wiring within the battery network. The companies say it could simplify battery system design and reduce weight and cost.
The demonstration ran on an 800 V battery system and was tested under varying voltage and current conditions and representative automotive operating scenarios. Communication covered both individual cells and the complete battery pack.
The players
BMW Group
BMW Group is a German multinational automaker known for its premium vehicles and electric drivetrain development.
Lumissil Microsystems
Lumissil Microsystems is a semiconductor company that develops analog and mixed-signal products, primarily LED drivers, for automotive, communications, industrial, and consumer markets.
The details
The demonstration showed reliable, bidirectional, multi-node communication across the high-voltage battery, carried over the existing electrical infrastructure as a Power Line Communication network. The collaboration will continue to advance PLC-based battery communication technology.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: BMW Gen6 battery system launched in the new BMW iX3.
November 10, 2026: Joint PLC demonstration across the complete 800 V battery system announced.
The Tech Race
The demonstration tests whether Power Line Communication can replace dedicated communication wiring in high-voltage EV battery packs built on the BMW Gen6 800 V platform. It positions BMW's battery architecture as a testbed for simplifying battery management in future electric vehicle designs.
If adopted in production, the approach could mean less wiring inside battery packs, which the companies say could lower weight and cost. Drivers would see the effect indirectly through vehicle design and reliability rather than through any change in daily use.
The takeaway
Replacing dedicated communication wiring with the battery's own electrical infrastructure could make future EV battery systems lighter and simpler. Watch for whether this approach moves from demonstration into production platforms.
Further reading
Explore more on Electric Vehicles to see how battery architecture is evolving across the industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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