Though still immature in terms of ‘EV Powertrain System Design Thinking’, the market is increasingly prioritising highly optimised powertrain systems for their benefits to weight, driver experience, safety and environmental impact.
The maturation of new technologies that can extend these benefits, through greater mechanical integration, hardware optimisation and improved software control, is critical to differentiation within the market.
Electric Aviation Group Ltd (EAG) and its Electric Propulsion Subsidiary, Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems Ltd (H2EPS) are collaborating with industry leaders such as McLaren Applied to deliver application-specific powertrains consisting of e-motors, power inverters and control systems resulting in a unique, optimised system for each application. The resulting Ultra-lightweight, Advanced, Electric Propulsion Systems herald a new generation of electric vehicle propulsion delivering a superior user experience.
McLaren Applied will be supporting an EAG led consortium that has been awarded an APC (Advanced Propulsion Centre) ARMD2 UK government grant for Project LEAP (Lightweight Electric Automotive Propulsion). The aim of the project is to develop an ultra-lightweight advanced electric motor, optimized for McLaren Applied’s technologically advanced IPG5 800V silicon carbide inverter. The project focuses on pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Hardware, Software and System optimization.
The venture will involve collaboration between Electric Aviation Group Ltd (EAG), its subsidiary Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems Ltd (H2EPS) and University of Nottingham (UoN), working with McLaren Applied to develop a new generation electric propulsion system for high performance and luxury electric vehicles, reducing weight, extending range and delivering a new and better driver experience to rival that of the internal combustion engine. A prototype is due to be unveiled in September 2024, with the intention to commercialize the technology beyond that date.
Kamran Iqbal (founder and CEO of EAG) said. “We are delighted to have received this grant, which is a testament to our team, the technologies they have developed and the strong commercial interest we have seen from the automotive sector. We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding and to be collaborating with world-leading engineering company McLaren Applied. We would also like to thank Tata Motors and Ariel Motor Company for supporting us. We are grateful to APC for their support in this project.”
Kamran further said “An SUV should be a different driving experience to a saloon and a sports car should deliver a very different ride to a luxury car. We are working with the automotive industry to ensure that electric vehicles deliver the variation of driving experience drivers want making electric vehicles as exciting and as unique as their internal combustion equivalents.”
Paolo Bargiacchi, Head of Product, Electrification, at McLaren Applied said “In order to maximize the potential benefits from our 800V SiC IPG5 hardware, we have been focused on developing our motorsport-honed motor control software to deliver advancements in fine motor control. This provides OEMs with the ability to differentiate the driver experience by tailoring the powertrain attributes to their brand – whether that be greater driving engagement, or unrivaled levels of refinement. We are excited that this funding will make the most of these capabilities, delivering an optimized high-performance inverter and motor system.”
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