FITGEN aims at developing a functionally integrated e-axle ready for implementation in third generation electric vehicles. It is delivered at TRL and MRL 7 in all its components and demonstrated on an electric vehicle platform designed for the European market (A-segment reference platform). The e-axle is composed of a latest generation Buried-Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine, driven by a SiC-inverter and coupled with a high-speed transmission. It is complemented by a DC/DC-converter for high voltage operation of the motor in traction and for enabling superfast charging of the 40kWh battery (120kW-peak) plus an integrated AC/DC on-board charger. The e-axle also includes a breakthrough cooling system which combines the water motor/inverter circuit with transmission oil. The FITGEN e-axle delivers significant advances over the 2018 State of the Art: 1) 40% increase of the power density of the e-motor, with operation up to 18,000rpm; 2) 50% increase of the power density of the inverter, thanks to the adoption of SiC-components; 3) affordable super-fast charge capability (120kW-peak) enabled by the DC/DC-converter, integrated with single- or 3-phase AC/DC-charger; 4) increase of the electric driving range from 740 to 1,050km (including 75 minutes of charging time) in real-world freeway driving with the use of auxiliaries. The FITGEN e-axle will enter the market in the year 2023, reaching a production volume target of 200,000 units/year by 2025 and of 700,000 units/year by 2030. It is designed to be brand-independent and to fit different segments and configurations of electric vehicles, including hybrids. The FITGEN consortium includes one car-maker and three automotive suppliers for motor, power electronics, and transmission, reproducing the complete supply chain of the e-axle. Their expertise is leveraged by the partnership with research institutions and academia, constituting an ideal setup for strengthening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.

The objectives in Power2Power aim to foster a holistic, digitized pilot line approach by accelerating the transition of ideas to innovations in the Power Electronic Components and Systems domain. In the course of this project, the international leadership of the European industry in this segment will be strengthened by means of a digitized pilot line approach along the supply chain located entirely in Europe; working together with multiple organizations, combining different disciplines and knowledge areas in the heterogeneous power-ECS environment. Only these comprehensive efforts will allow reaching a high-volume production of smart power electronics to change the market towards energy-efficient applications to meet the carbon dioxide reduction goals of the European Union. Consequently, economic growth and Tackling grand societal challenges “Energy” and “Mobility” lead to safeguarding meaningful jobs for European citizens. Silicon-based power solutions will outperform new materials (SiC, GaN) for many more years in terms of cost-to-performance-ratio and reliability. Thus, the Silicon-based power solutions will keep innovating and growing the upcoming years. On a long run the project Power2Power will significantly impact the path to the industrial ambition of value creation by digitizing manufacturing and development in Europe. It fully supports this vision by addressing key topics of both pillars “Key Applications” and “Essential Capabilities”. By positioning Power2Power as innovation action, a clear focus on exploitation of the expected result is a primary goal. Smart energy utilization with highly efficient power semiconductor-based electronics is key in carefully utilizing the scarce resources. Energy generation, energy conversion and smart actors are these application domains where advanced high voltage power semiconductor components primarily impact the path toward winning innovations.

Electrification of passenger cars and light-duty vehicles will have a knock-on effect on reducing the greenhouses gases emission from the transportation sector, as it is still the biggest emitter due to fossil fuel based engines. However the maturity of electrical drives and electrical engines needs a final push for better performance, better comfort and cost reduction in order to generate a massive adoption of such transport in Europe and worldwide, replacing conventional cars. ModulED aims at developing a new generation of modular electric engine based on buried-permanent magnet motor with reduced rare earth use, and electric drivetrain for various configurations of Full and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (including cost, environmental impact, efficiency, and mass manufacturing ready). The multiphase e-motor will integrate the latest GaN inverter for power electronics, advanced control with higher fault tolerance, advanced cooling features, with reduced sizing and higher efficiency. It will be linked with a performant electrical drive and transmission, adapting new regenerative braking strategies. The project takes into account industrial, user requirements and environmental impacts through life cycle analysis, to gear the activities towards a full vehicle approach design and realization of each component and whole powertrain. Also, new virtual models will be developed for reliable design and simulation of every component features. Demonstration on BMW i3 or similar vehicle will be performed at the end, validating the high performance powertrain. The project gathers 9 partners as cutting-edge from automotive, power electronics, powertrain specialists with 3 research centres, 3 Tier-1 suppliers and SMEs.