As governments and consumers worldwide aim for climate neutrality and sustainable transportation, the demand for more efficient vehicles steadily increases, pushing the voltage of the powertrain to new levels. The HiVEP project is a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) efficiency and performance through advanced high-voltage powertrain technologies. Targeting mass-market C-segment vehicles, HiVEP introduces powertrain architectures operating above 800V, enhancing vehicle performance by integrating ultra-efficient power electronics with advanced SiC semiconductors, Active Winding Reconfiguration, integrated chargers, and rare-earth-free electric machines optimized for high voltages. It also includes high-energy-density batteries with 3.6 C-rate and optimized thermal management. These innovations aim to drastically reduce EV charging times at under 10 minutes —a significant adoption barrier—reducing energy consumption by 25%, boosting range by 20% and enhancing driving dynamics. HiVEP also emphasizes the safety and sustainability of its systems, promoting resource efficiency and a lower lifecycle footprint through reduced material usage and energy consumption. Finally, it strives to maximise the affordability and cost competitivess of the innovations, by reducing future powertrain costs by 10-20% at mass production levels. The project combines the expertise of 12 leading European automotive manufacturers, technology providers, and academic institutions, supported by innovative semiconductor manufacturers and EU platforms EARPA and CLEPA. This collaboration fosters a holistic innovation approach to address technical challenges effectively. HiVEP's ambitious goals aim to significantly cut carbon emissions in the transportation sector, align with global environmental targets, and bolster Europe’s leadership in sustainable automotive technology. Expected outcomes could catalyze further EV innovations, broadening adoption and acceptance.

The ECOCHAMPS project addresses topic GV-4-2014, Hybrid Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles. The work will, in a single coordinated project, address all aspects of this topic and will be conducted by 26 partners representing the European automotive industry (OEMs (EUCAR), suppliers (CLEPA), ESPs and universities (EARPA)) including members of ERTRAC and EGVIA. The objective is to achieve efficient, compact, low weight, robust and cost effective hybrid powertrains for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles (buses, medium and heavy duty trucks) with increased functionality, improved performance, comfort, safety and emissions below Euro 6 or VI, all proven under real driving conditions. The five demonstrator vehicles, for this purpose developed to TRL 7, that use the hybrid powertrains will among other give a direct cost versus performance comparison at two system voltage levels in the light duty vehicles, and include the modular and standardized framework components in the heavy duty vehicles. Achieving these innovations affordably will strengthen technical leadership in powertrains, enable a leading position in hybrid technology and increases the competitiveness of European OEMs. The vehicles will be ready for market introduction between 2020 and 2022 and (price) competitive to the best in-class (full hybrid) vehicles on the market in 2013. More importantly, the technology devised will impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions and the improvement of air quality. The project proposes to reach a 20% powertrain efficiency improvement and a 20% powertrain weight and volume reduction, with a ≤10% cost premium on the base model for the demonstrator. To meet air quality targets the project will prove, via independently supervised testing, real driving emissions at least below Euro 6 or VI limits and by simulation show the potential of the passenger car technologies to reach Super Low Emission Vehicle standards.