Automotive mobility is saying farewell to combustion engines and heading for a carbon-free electric future. This far-reaching technology shift is stimulating the creativity and innovative powers of developers. Their intelligent solutions not only support sustainability and global climate protection, but also convince, or even inspire, customers in daily life. Next-generation EVs are playing to their inherent strengths – and lifting comfort, driving dynamics and safety to the next level.
The CTI Symposium USA – where ideas compete to shape progress
In the plenum, experts and decision-makers from leading OEMs and suppliers will present their strategies and technologies live. Hear all the facts – and join in the discussion yourself. Our twelve Deep Dive sessions have all the latest electric drive systems and key components covered. Get an overview of what’s happening, and discover interesting aspects such as cutting-edge series products, realistic market research, and a teardown semiconductor comparison.
Magna EtelligentReach – advanced e-drive double act to enter series production
In early 2021, Magna unveiled its EtelligentReach electric all-wheel drive (eAWD), which achieved a new level of driving dynamics and range. The second generation followed in 2022 and included further improvements in lateral dynamics, plus even higher system efficiency. Now Dr. Daniel Lindvai-Soos, (Magna Powertrain, Austria) will be reporting on the Magna eAWD technology that will soon be entering production in a new series EV model.
The eAWD technology doubles overall power without significantly reducing range. The enabling factors include a complementary powertrain layout in which the primary and secondary drives interact. Key components include dedicated optimized inverters for both drives, the latest high-efficiency electric motors, a decoupling system for the secondary drive, and an intelligent operating strategy.
As eAWD shows, high-performance motors and efficiency need not be mutually exclusive. In this system, the driving strategy uses the motors’ efficiency maps in a way that can improve overall efficiency. Magna’s EtelligentReach technology also provides longitudinal torque vectoring, for excellent levels of ride control and active safety. In his presentation, Dr. Lindvai-Soos will describe the overall powertrain system approach and the components involved in detail. The speaker will place particular emphasis on the e-motor and inverter technology, the complementary system approach, and further opportunities through the integration of advanced ADAS and Connectivity.
What do owners love and hate about their EVs? A survey and its implications
When it comes to improving product quality, the best policy is to listen carefully to the praise and criticism your customers can offer. The consulting firm Strategic Vision systematically surveys new EV buyers in the USA and China. Evaluations are based on authentic statements from owners. “They tell us what they love about their vehicles, and what they hate,” says Paul Haelterman (Strategic Vision, USA). His presentation will focus on three key areas: battery range, Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
Strategic Vision’s methodology has already been validated in numerous countries. The insights distilled from tens of thousands of surveys reflect what people really think, and how they make decisions. The main conclusions Paul Haelterman presents will show how well consumer needs are being met, how wide the expectation gap is, and whether upcoming technologies will be able to close it. Particularly in China, new technologies will likely be presented soon.
Semiconductors as efficiency boosters; silicon carbide too costly for Tesla. What do experts say?
The fact that next-generation electric drives offer greater motor efficiency across multiple driving scenarios, plus impressive ranges and shorter charging times, is largely due to sophisticated semiconductor technology. The arrival of bidirectional charging, where the charger also feeds electricity from the car into the smart grid, likewise calls for high-performance semiconductors.
In his plenary lecture, Patrick Leteinturier (Infineon, Germany) will therefore describe semiconductors as a key technology for tomorrow’s smart, green mobility. Infineon offers a broad portfolio of highly developed semiconductor modules for all relevant EV applications, and is continuously working on innovative solutions. For CTI Symposium USA attendees, Patrick Leteinturier’s outlook is sure to be of great interest.
“75 percent less silicon carbide!” When Tesla announced this target for its new drive unit at the Tesla Investor Day in early March 2023, people sat up and took notice. SiC technology enables highly efficient, ultra-compact inverters – but due to high costs and scalability issues, the jury is still out.
Wolfspeed is a leading semiconductor manufacturer that specializes in silicon carbide. Jeff Casadi (Wolfspeed, USA) will explain the specific challenges that arise when developing and producing silicon carbide power components specifically for EV drivetrains. He will provide insights into work, studies and data across the entire product lifecycle. One focus point will be silicon carbide’s reliability, from initial qualification through long-term wear mechanisms during service life to end-of-life failure. The speaker will also discuss manufacturing scalability across the entire vertical supply chain.
Dr. Yu Yang (Yole Intelligence, France) will present a detailed roadmap for power modules used in main inverter applications. The analysis will cover key aspects such as substrates, packaging technology and cooling, incorporating key technological trends. An in-house Teardown Comparison of the latest Si IGBT and SiC MOSFET power modules offers detailed insights into their outer profiles, internal geometries, detailed interconnection and material analysis, based on a well-defined methodology at Yole System Plus. The modules analyzed come from Denso, STMicroelectronics, Wolfspeed and other manufacturers.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE – turbocharged with adrenaline
If needed, drivers have a massive 620 kW (843 hp) of power and 1,400 Nm of torque at their command. If they use it, the iconic sound of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE is sure to remind them that they are pushing performance to the max. Driving out of the garage and through the suburbs, on the other hand, is silent, emission-free and electric.
The most powerful Mercedes-AMG supercar to date is also the first to feature a plug-in hybrid drive. As Joe Mueller (American Axle Manufacturing, USA) will explain, the rear axle Electric Drive Unit (EDU) is supplied by AAM. By electrifying its premium AMG models, Mercedes is able to meet tighter vehicle emissions regulations while simultaneously improving the driving performance its customers expect. This vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds, yet fuel consumption is surprisingly low – a perfect example of boosting and recuperation working as a team.
AAM’s P3 EDU comprises a Permanent Synchronous e-Machine (PSM), an electrically actuated two-speed transmission, and an electronic limited slip differential. It is housed in the rear axle. AAM’s compact, yet powerful power unit requires no significant modifications to the vehicle’s powertrain or body structure. In his presentation, Joe Mueller will detail the EDU’s design features and illustrate the resulting performance characteristics, using pictures and videos taken during lab and in-car testing.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE EDU follows the successful Jaguar I-PACE EDU, which launched in 2018. AAM has also secured further orders globally for electric drives that will launch before 2025.
The CTI Symposium USA – from plenary hall to test track
Plan your trip to the 17th CTI Symposium USA now – and compile your very own two-day program packed with highlights. Which plenary speeches and discussions are top of your list? Which of the twelve Deep Dive sessions interest you most? During the breaks, you can check out important innovations for yourself at the CTI Expo – or experience the latest EV innovations at first hand in a series or demo vehicle on the CTI Ride & Drive parcours. As for networking, the CTI Networking Night @Meadow Brook Hall is the place to be. Chat with colleagues, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors over delicious food and drinks – and make valuable new business contacts in a relaxed atmosphere.
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