McLaren Promising More BEV Performance with Latest Inverter
British automotive engineering specialist, McLaren Applied, has unveiled a new high voltage inverter targeting manufacturers of performance BEVs.
The company has launched IPG5-x, it claims to be a highly flexible 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter that can be integrated into Electric Drive Units (EDUs). Its product targets sports-focused BEVs, demanding integrated EDUs that save space and cost, and is designed to work with a variety of motors and transmissions.
IPG5-x is an adaptation of McLaren’s current inverter, IPG5, and will coexist alongside the standalone IPG5, with application depending on customer need. The company is working with transmission provider Tremec to jointly develop an integrated EDU for their first customer vehicle application.
McLaren says the IPG5-x forms a step forward in what it describes as the ‘waves of electrification’. The first wave involved early pioneers of technology, the second wave is denoted by the breakthrough of BEVs to the mainstream. The third wave is efficiency and will see inverter technology rapidly adopt SiC semiconductors, especially in 800V architectures, enabling vehicles to achieve longer range where efficient power electronics are key.
Paolo Bargiacchi, head of product at McLaren Applied, said: “In our discussions with customers and partners, it’s become clear that OEMs are increasingly looking for the option to source integrated EDUs that save space, cost and speed up development time. We’ve developed the IPG5-x to be highly flexible, so it’s ready to be integrated within any combination of motor and transmission.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_ and Threads
