GKN Automotive has released its next-generation inverter, capable of running at 800V. According to the company, the upgraded product features several efficiency and lightweighting improvements over its predecessor. These include a 20% power output increase over the previous version, with power density up by 50% and power-to-weight ratio by 60%, yet the copper content is reduced by 63%.
A key development is the integration of 800V technology, which allows for more efficient electrical system operation in EVs. GKN Automotive forecasts that by 2025 most electric vehicles on the market will operate at 800V; however, to offer OEMs complete flexibility on existing vehicles, the inverter is also compatible with current 400V systems.
Christoph Gillen, director of systems engineering at GKN Automotive, commented, “The performance we have been able to deliver with the new inverter is an important next step in our mission to drive a cleaner, more sustainable world, as we’ve been able to vastly increase performance and improve efficiency. We believe that the future of EV technology is 800V architectures, so it was crucial that this product supported an 800V range and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”