The European research project ENLIGHTEN, led by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, is developing a new generation of electric drives with an operating voltage of 1,200 volts. The aim is to realize more powerful, efficient and sustainable drive systems that are also backwards compatible with existing 500 and 1,000 volt charging infrastructures. A higher voltage level not only means increased performance and efficiency, but also affects the entire value chain of electric mobility – from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to charging infrastructure operators and end users.
The ENLIGHTEN consortium, consisting of leading research institutions, industrial partners and universities, is developing an advanced electrical system architecture as the basis for an innovative powertrain. This is being designed specifically for a C-segment vehicle (compact class) and will be demonstrated up to technology readiness level TRL5.
Technological innovations for maximum efficiency
The ENLIGHTEN system includes:
- A dual high-voltage battery system with dynamic voltage switching while driving, which enables an optimal balance between performance and energy efficiency.
- An integrated motor inverter drive train that combines high efficiency and a compact design.
- A highly efficient DC/DC converter for flexible adjustment of the system voltage.
- An AC/DC-capable on-board charger that supports both DC charging and conventional AC charging.
- A high-performance power distribution unit (PDU) that enables intelligent energy distribution within the vehicle.
The consistent use of the latest gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology minimizes power losses and maximizes efficiency, while at the same time reducing cooling and space requirements. The system architecture thus significantly exceeds the current state of the art and sets new standards for future electric vehicles.
The role of AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
As consortium leader of the ENLIGHTEN project, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology contributes its leading expertise in the fields of power electronics, battery systems and system integration. In addition to scientific and organizational coordination, Austria's largest non-university research institution develops and validates central technologies for the new 1,200-volt high-voltage architecture. In close collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions, AIT is helping to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of the European automotive industry.
Project manager Hannes Lacher emphasizes: “ENLIGHTEN is bringing the next generation of electric drives to the road with 1,200 volts – more powerful, more efficient and more sustainable, without neglecting the existing charging infrastructure.”
Project consortium
