Modular Unitary Drives for High Power Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

"This project is focused on the development of unique technically advanced high performance e-motors and inverters that exceed currently available best in class standards. It will be undertaken by hofer powertrain UK with UK collaborators, supporting application in future high performance vehicle programmes for world leading UK based vehicle manufacturers and export customers.

From a base in the UK, the project supports the research, development and industrialisation of a completely new generation of technically advanced e-motor and inverter modules. As well a developing unique new knowledge and expertise in Britain, in part achieved through research collaborations with leading UK universities, the project will also benefit from the significant transfer of skills and research experience from hofer AG (Group) to the UK. This will will make a major contribution to upskilling the knowledge base in the UK by blending British and German cutting edge knowledge in a new way. This approach will improve UK productivity and help the global competitiveness of Britain's low carbon automotive supply chain, anchoring new EV/HEV capabilities here.

It will enable the project collaborators to develop unique expertise and capabilities in the UK in highly advanced e-motors and inverters that currently do not exist in Britain or elsewhere . This will support significant UK import substitution, a range of other economic benefits, such as inward investment, skills development and job creation in areas of high unemployment. The project will deliver significant environmental benefits while delivering new levels of performance, reliability and usability that will enable UK based manufacturers to secure and expand their position in high growth markets, such as China and the USA, where stringent environmental legislation could rule out, or limit the growth or the sale of vehicles with traditional ICE powertrains. hofer and its UK supply chain partners will also be well placed to exploit export markets for the advanced modular e-motors and inverters that this project will deliver."