Eaton launches range-extending power inverters

Galesburg, Michigan – Eaton has developed compact power-dense automotive inverters capable of increasing the range of electric vehicles (EV), part of the company’s initiative to support an expected 38% EV market share by 2030.

The inverters draw electricity from the battery and control how it is applied to the motor to manage power and torque and will be tested by a global automaker in first quarter 2019.

Eaton’s eMobility division developed the vehicle inverters with a power density of 35kW/L and 98% operating efficiency. The inverter’s high-power density and compact, lightweight design help maximize range while taking up minimal space in the vehicle.

“Most global automakers have different vehicle electrification strategies, so the products we are developing must be able to support a range of applications. Regardless of the strategy, electric vehicles need efficient and compact power electronics, and our new line of efficient inverters can be adapted for any application,” said Scott Adams, senior vice president, eMobility.

Adams notes inverters can be tailored to a wide range of customer requirements and applications.

“The inverter market for electric vehicles is still emerging,” Adams said. “Among our advantages in this market are our established partnerships with key power electronics components suppliers and the fact that our inverters comply with the critical ISO 26262 standard for functional safety.”

Eaton projects EVs will increase to 38% of the global passenger car market by 2030 from less than 2% last year, with share dispersed among battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid electric, and mild hybrid electric. Eaton’s inverters can be used in all types of electric vehicles, as well as other alternative fuel vehicles, such hydrogen fuel cell cars.