Comparative Analysis of Passive and Active Cell Balancing Techniques for Electric Vehicle Battery Packs
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, passive and active battery management systems (BMS) were modeled and comparatively analyzed in a simulation environment to mitigate cell-to-cell voltage imbalance in lithium-ion energy storage modules deployed in electric mobility systems. A threshold-voltage-controlled switched-resistor balancing method, which is widely employed in commercial passive BMS, was investigated, and the voltage–time behavior of the cells during the balancing process was evaluated. Simulation results indicate that continuous discharge in cells reaching the threshold voltage at an early stage leads to significant energy losses. In contrast, an active balancing method based on inter-cell energy transfer and implemented using a DC–DC converter-based structure was designed and applied in the simulation environment. Passive and active BMS were compared in terms of balancing time and energy efficiency. The results demonstrate that active balancing methods reduce energy losses and increase the usable capacity of the battery pack, providing a more efficient solution for electric vehicle applications.
Authors: Sefa Mert Köylü, Harun Özbay
Institution: Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223860657