hofer’s new 800 V EV inverter to use VisIC gallium nitride chips

Automotive powertrain maker hofer powertrain is using semiconductor manufacturer VisIC Technologies’s gallium nitride chip in its new inverter.

hofer powertrain has selected the gallium nitride D3GaN Direct Drive D-Mode chip for its new traction inverter. The high-frequency 3-level inverter is designed for 800 V battery systems in automotive applications.

“hofer powertrain’s development paves the way for a breakthrough in GaN inverter performance, which is superior to silicon and silicon-carbide-based designs for high efficiency,” says Senior Product Manager at VisIC Technologies Ilia Bunin.

“Based on the guiding principle ‘develop fast and learn fast,’ hofer powertrain achieves quick results: the team develops a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to investigate and prove the capability of using 650 V gallium nitride semiconductors in an 800 V 3L NPC inverter application,” says VisIC Technologies.

According to VisIC Technologies, “The new 3-Level GaN (Gallium Nitride) Inverter proves its strong capabilities on the test bench, confirming significantly better switching speed and smaller and lighter package size, reducing total system cost.”

“The upcoming sample stage (A1) has already started, and is expected to perform well in real test conditions with a permanent synchronous motor,” says VisIC . “The team aims to validate and benchmark existing systems using test cycles like the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and prove its outstanding potential for the entire automotive powertrain.”

Ricardo and Pratt & Whitney to develop hybrid-electric aerospace technology

Global consulting firm Ricardo has signed a multi-year deal with Pratt & Whitney Canada, a manufacturer of aircraft engines. The Ricardo aerospace engineering team will support P&W in the development of hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for next-generation aircraft.

The project is part of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator program. The company is targeting a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to today’s most advanced turboprop engines for regional aircraft.

The Pratt & Whitney Canada Regional Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator is based on a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 experimental aircraft.

Adrian Schaffer, President of Emerging Mobility at Ricardo, said: “This project will help us build on our existing reputation for the innovative design and delivery of future-forward solutions for aerospace customers, creating clean, efficient, and integrated propulsion systems for next-generation aircraft.”

Jean Thomassin, Executive Director of New Products and Services, Pratt & Whitney Canada, said: “Hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a core element of our strategy for continually advancing the efficiency of aircraft propulsion systems, in support of the industry-wide goal of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions for aviation by 2050. Our collaboration with Ricardo brings valuable expertise around component design, system integration, and testing, which will ultimately enable us to demonstrate the potential of this technology, with ground testing starting later this year and eventual flight tests in 2024.”

Electric Bike Company launches US-built 25 MPH folding electric bike

Newport Beach, California-based Electric Bike Company has just launched its long awaited folding e-bike model, known as the Model F. The folder embodies much of the same cruiser vibes and design ethos of the company’s larger e-bikes, but in a smaller and more portable package.

And just like the rest of the company’s e-bikes, it is built right there in Southern California before being shipped fully-assembled to customers.

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The post Electric Bike Company launches US-built 25 MPH folding electric bike appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward

Here’s every electric vehicle that qualifies for the current and upcoming US federal tax credit

As sales of electric vehicles continue to surge, many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for federal tax credit on electric vehicles, especially now that a slew of new credits have been reinstated to US consumers.

Whether you qualify is not a simple yes or no question… well, actually it sort of is, but the amount you may qualify for varies by household due to a number of different factors. Furthermore, there are other potential savings available to you that you might not even know about yet.

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The post Here’s every electric vehicle that qualifies for the current and upcoming US federal tax credit appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward