Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Electrified vehicles (EVs) - which include hybrid, battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles - will be critical in helping Canada lower emissions, reduce fossil fuel usage, and help mitigate climate change. The next generation of EVs will require improved powertrains, components, and associated control technologies. The Car of the Future is expected to outperform the best in class EVs available today and, at the same time, achieve much higher efficiencies at a lower cost. The proposed research program will develop: a novel comprehensive system-level design and optimization approach for a next-generation electrified powertrain (EPT) system; design models, tools, and prototypes of EPT components; and new methods and tools to support software development and safety at EPT powertrain and component levels. The project outcomes will enable the development of several new EPT products for our industry partner, FCA, including: a novel dual inverter that will improve vehicle performance; a fast charging system and control algorithms for wireless charging, that will improve power and efficiency, and reduce costs; and a generator that minimizes reliance on rare-earth elements, and reduces exposure to supply chain and price volatility. We will also develop several tools and processes that will help FCA engineers: identify and develop optimal EPT systems and controls for vehicles more quickly and effectively; model and optimize improved EPT components and power converters; reduce radial force harmonics in electric motors and improve efficiency; develop more accurate and robust motor controllers resulting in quieter, better-performing EVs; and improve battery performance, through new algorithms that can extend battery life and reliability. This will enable FCA to design higher-quality prototypes more quickly, and deliver cost-effective EPTs that are more powerful, efficient, and reliable. Improved EPTs will help accelerate the development of more affordable and efficient EVs, which will assist the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve air quality.