FTEX, a maker of motor controllers for small EVs, has introduced the GaNRunner, the company’s first programmable motor controller featuring gallium nitride (GaN) technology. 

Built to control brushless DC motors, the GaNRunner works with standard electric motor architectures and includes standard HIGO connectors. It’s available in 750 W (GNRR-750) and 1500 W (GNRR-1500) single- and dual-motor variants, making it suitable for electric bikes, scooters, mopeds, golf carts and more. 

The GNRR-750 weighs 150 grams, and delivers up to 750 W at voltages between 24 V and 96 V. The GNRR-1500 delivers twice as much power, and weighs 250 grams. The controller can operate at temperatures between -20^o C and +60^o C, and features fail-safe modes to prevent overheating and thermal shutdowns under high power demand.

FTEX says its GaN transistors offer higher efficiency, reliability and energy density, delivering more range in a smaller solution compared to MOSFET inverters. The unit’s form factor allows interior and exterior mounting in both OEM and retrofit applications.

GaNRunner features include Smart Power Boost, regenerative braking and Bluetooth, which allows riders to track their performance through an upcoming mobile app and allows over-the-air system updates.  

Source: FTEX