Next generation electric drivetrains for fully electric vehicles, focusing on high efficiency and low cost

Date de clôture : 1 févr. 2017  
APPEL À PROJET CLÔTURÉ

Topic Description

Developments have already been undertaken in recent years to optimise drivetrain components for fully electric vehicles (FEVs), in particular in terms of efficient use and recovery of energy. However, the next generation of electric drivetrains should be conceived to also take into account design for manufacturing, low weight and material cost.

Proposals should address one or several of the following aspects:

―Functional system integration of electric machines (e.g. high speed motors) with transmissions, optimisation of energy recovery with the integration of braking systems.

―Lower cost electric machines through reduced need for rare earth magnets and designs optimised for lower cost manufacturing processes.

―Integration of power electronics with battery charging functions together with associated control and of wide bandgap semiconductors providing high temperature, high power density, and high frequency capabilities.

―Modular electric power train components compatible with both full electric and hybrid applications, sub-systems and topologies with enhanced NVH[[Noise, vibration and heat.]], reliability, safety and fault tolerance and robustness, fit for mass manufacturing.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 5 and 10 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Actions will lead to the next generation electric drives, with reduced costs through systems integration and optimised design and configuration of motors and power electronics for volume manufacturing processes. Therefore, actions under this topic are expected to contribute to the achievement of climate action and sustainable development objectives. The expected impacts from actions will be demonstrated on full size working prototypes as follows:

―An incremental reduction in total motor and power electronics system costs through optimised design for manufacture.

―A 30% increase in specific torque and specific power of electric motors with a 50% increase in maximum operating speed whilst halving motor losses.

―A 50% increase in the power density of motor power electronics, a 50% reduction in losses and the ability to operate with the same cooling liquids and temperatures used for the combustion engine in hybrid configurations.