Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has developed a prototype EV motor drive system with a built-in silicon-carbide inverter that it claims is the smallest of its kind. As EVs require large spaces to accommodate their battery systems, Mitsubishi sees a strong need to reduce the size and weight of motor systems to leave a decent amount of space for passengers and cargo.

The 14.1 L, 60 kW motor is able to integrate a cooling system, thanks to the cylindrical shape of the power module, which accommodates parallel cooling ducts for the motor and inverter. Improved thermal resistance between the motor drive system and cooling system allowed the system to be downsized even further.

The new system is designed to be equal to existing EV motors in power and volume, so it could possibly be a drop-in replacement.

Mitsubishi plans to commercialize the new system after finalizing technologies for motor/inverter cooling, further downsizing and additional efficiency gains.

Source: Mitsubishi via Green Car Congress