Project description
Innovative e-axle for third generation electric vehicles
The use of electric vehicles is growing in Europe. The EU-funded FITGEN project develops a functionally integrated e-axle (motor-inverter-transmission) ready for implementation in third-generation electric vehicles. The FITGEN e-axle is delivered at TRL and MRL 7 by the end of the proejct (2022) and it is demonstrated on the FIAT 500e electric vehicle platform. The FITGE e-axle increases the power density of the e-motor by 40 % and the power density of the inverter by 50 % compared to the 2018 best-in-class market-avialable technology. The daily electric driving range of the demonstrator goes from 740 to 1,050 km with three battery recharges, by using the e-axle in-built super-fast charging capability. The FITGEN e-axle targets market readiness in the year 2025/26.
Objective
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.
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
1210 Wien
Austria