GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

To successfully address the expected outcomes in the constant drive to improve efficiency and performance while increasing affordability, proposals are expected to address several of the following aspects capable of demonstrating the achievement of the intended objectives at system level:

• Assess in a holistic way the positive and negative impacts of higher voltage levels at vehicle and powertrain level, defining the best option for the post-800V EV generation.
• Development and integration of power-electronic components with new concepts for component miniaturisation and modularity. Also, solutions that can transition rapidly from modular to integrated systems need to be identified, depending on demand and eco-balance.
• Topologies adapted to advanced wide-bandgap semiconductors and new materials, leading to higher power density.
• Modular powertrain platforms, with the aim of coming closer to a full mechanical, electrical or thermal integration of the three main systems (electric motor, power electronics systems and battery pack) benefitting from the smaller sizes and cooling demands due to higher voltage.
• Defining suitable testing and validation procedures on component, powertrain or vehicle level and demonstrating them on a suitable use case. Furthermore, the projects should identify and analyse potential regulatory aspects and barriers to contribute to a definition of common EU standards for system validations.
• Small-sized, ‘ready for integration’ power modules at the best system fitting position (e.g. e-motor or battery) for greater design flexibility while optimizing costs.
• Packaging and coupler solutions e.g., substrates, moulding epoxy, electrical interconnections, adapted for higher voltages, increased isolation demands, high-frequency switching, frequent thermal cycling, elevated temperatures etc.
• Heat spreading technologies for short power pulses/ heat dissipation approaches for long duration pulses, long acceleration phases.