Materials and Drives for High & Wide Efficiency Electric Powertrains

At present, motors for FEV (Fully Electric Vehicle) and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) applications develop their highest efficiency of around 93~95% within a speed range of typically 1/4 to 1/3 of the maximum rotating speed, and at an ideal torque, whereas in real usage – in the majority of driving cycles – the motor operates at a wider range of speeds and at partial load (low torque) resulting in much lower efficiency. HI-WI will address the mismatch between the region of HIGH efficiency and the WIDE region of frequent operation with advances in the design and manufacture of motors. HI-WI will couple its novel design approach to breakthroughs in materials and manufacturing, winning size, weight, and cost savings. The three-year HI-WI project will deliver prototyping and demonstration of innovative motors; new approaches to the holistic design of motors nano-scale materials advances to create magnets with reduced rare-earth content; micro/nano-scale manufacturing advances to create permanent magnets and integrated assemblies.