Energimyndigheten has granted CEVT and Chalmers with 12 MSEK for the development within propulsion technology

CEVT AB and Chalmers University of Technology are starting a research project together, iTEM - integrated Transmission and Electric Machine. The iTEM-project has a strong focus within the field of power electronics and will strengthen the collaboration, as well as raise knowledge between the automotive industry and the university domain.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project will develop a transmission with an integrated e-drive with strongly integrated controls. The main goal is to contribute to a better environment globally by developing a hybrid driveline, which makes electric propulsion both affordable and attractive to a wide range of drivers. Furthermore, it is an important goal to increase the innovation capacity in Sweden, for the benefit of the competitiveness of the Swedish automotive industry.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The focus is to solve two of the main issues for powertrain development, namely cost of electrification and efficiency of the complete powertrain. The ambition is to replace fossil fuels as the main energy source for propulsion by developing a device that will give true electric vehicle performance in an affordable PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

PROJECT COLLABORATION

The iTEM-project will be conducted by CEVT in collaboration with Chalmers.

Chalmers will develop and evaluate a full-scale inverter based on silicon carbide power transistors.

• The silicon carbide material has the potential to decrease the heat losses with 50 %, which is a huge benefit both for the cooling system and the electric driving distance.

CEVT will stand for an innovative gearbox design and integration of gearbox, electric machine, inverter and control system.

• As the objective is to run a high share of distance in electric mode, the transmission efficiency and the e-drive power density has been highly focused.

Johan Hellsing, Technical Specialist Electric Propulsion Systems, CEVT

“We are very happy that Energimyndigheten supports CEVTs plans for future hybrid drivelines. We believe that hybrid vehicles need to have the feeling more like electric cars. The possibilities with silicon carbide material is truly exciting. This is something we have to learn more about.”

Yujing Liu, Professor and Head of Unit Electrical Machine & Power Electronics, Chalmers University of Technology

“At Chalmers we are continuously seeking and developing new materials and advanced technologies for sustainable transportation. Silicon carbide devices provide us new opportunities to shrink the on-board power electronics size so that the electronics can be integrated with mechanical systems. This concept enables the reduction of number of parts and total volume of drivetrains, which are extremely appreciated in hybrid electric vehicles. Close collaboration with industry is strategically important to us. We believe that our forefront research benefits from having impact in realistic applications.”

Press contacts:

CEVT: malin.willbro@cevt.se +46 729 88 85 43

Chalmers: christian.borg@chalmers.se +46 766 31 42 35