Vehicle Control Unit

Vehicle Control Unit is the master controller for electric vehicles.
VCU receives Driver inputs, calculates driver demand torques and sends to MCU.
Driver assistance can be part of VCU
VCU provides the required protection against theft
VCU can be equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS connections that can be used for fleet management applications i.e., e-scooter sharing applications.

VCU Variant 24 pin & 48 pin

VCUs for 2/3/4 wheeler applications are widely used in the automotive industry and can be found in a range of vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, and cars. Some of the applications of a VCU for 2/3/4 wheeler application include

Electric vehicles – VCUs are used in electric vehicles to manage the battery and motor, optimizing performance and improving range

Hybrid vehicles – VCUs are used in hybrid vehicles to manage the engine and electric motor, optimizing performance and improving fuel efficiency.

Purpose of Vehicle Control Unit

VCU has lots of Functionality requirements.
OEM will have wide range of portfolio for 2/3Wheeler EV.
In case any requirements is considered in BMS or MCU, then will be applicable for particular vehicle configuration.
BMS performs acquisitions of Cells voltages and communicates (SOC, SOH etc) with VCU.
Any new vehicle variant or change in component supplier means, all requirements again to re-consider in MCU or BMS.
Each OEM has different features available in vehicles or has different E/E architecture connected to vehicle, So Motor and BMS is not yet standardized

MCU performs only Motor control functions.
For each variant, OEM purchases different suppliers for BMS, MCU
Additional functions adaptations Consumes lots of energy (Discussions, Change in SW, HW, Validation).
In case any requirements is considered in BMS or MCU, then will be applicable for particular vehicle configuration.
Consumes lots of energy (Discussions, Change in SW, HW, Validation). Will affect in Time to Market.
Additional functions adaptations take lots of energy (Change in SW, HW, Validation)