ODYSSEV

Current electric vehicles (EVs) usually operate at voltages up to 400 Volts, and experience limitations in driving range and charging time. The development efforts of manufacturers are focusing towards higher voltage powertrains in EVs, to achieve higher driving ranges, lower charging times and increased efficiency.
In this direction, ODYSSEV will set up and test a high-voltage powertrain (at 1200 Volts) for shaping the future of battery electric vehicles. ODYSSEV develops the next generation of automotive power converters and optimises the different powertrain elements and their topologies.

ODYSSEV will design a fully reconfigurable battery pack, able to drive the vehicle at 1200 Volts, and charge it at lower voltages compatible to current charger infrastructure (400-800 Volts). ODYSSEV also develops a hybrid concept of inverter, able to benefit from characteristics of different transistor technologies, in the different load conditions faced by the electric vehicle. Linked to the inverter, ODYSSEV will optimise both the high voltage motor geometry and topology.
Project partners will also evaluate the performance and efficiency gains of the high-voltage powertrains, by integrating the powertrain in a C-segment vehicle (i.e. VW Golf). The integration will start from a combustion-based vehicle, to showcase the potential of converting conventional vehicles (with combustion-based powertrain) to electric vehicles, without affecting the vehicle’s core structure.

The active involvement of multiple players advancing all components (battery, motor, charger, thermal management) ensures that our high-voltage powertrain maximises efficiency for different car models, driving regions, load conditions and driving styles across the entire vehicle lifecycle.