As the world turns its focus towards electric vehicles to combat climate change, several challenges have emerged in the realm of power electronics. The absence of standardisation in EV power conversion system designs across different vehicle models has led to dispersion in power devices and circuits. This fragmentation in the industry not only hampers scalability but also places immense financial burdens on EV original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who have to develop their own custom solutions. Another challenge that looms large is the over-dependence on non-EU sources for crucial EV components. To realise true sustainability, it is imperative to reduce reliance on external suppliers and promote a self-sufficient European e-mobility market.

SCAPE aims to address the structural shortcomings in achieving scale economies by developing a cost-efficient production chain for power converters. This is achieved through a new, standardisable, and modular design for EV power converters based on cutting-edge multilevel converter technologies. By introducing a common platform, the project seeks to foster collaboration among OEMs, streamline production, and reduce costs significantly.

To further enhance efficiency and minimise waste, SCAPE employs chip-embedding technology to create a highly compact and integrated building-block implementation architecture for EV power converters. This innovative approach ensures optimal use of space and resources, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly EV ecosystem.

SCAPE goes beyond traditional power conversion methods by incorporating intelligent control strategies. These include prognosis and health management enabled through an online monitoring system and a powertrain digital twin. This proactive approach to maintenance enhances reliability and ensures an unparalleled driving experience for EV owners.

The integration of wide bandgap (SiC and GaN) technologies with the Switching-Cell Array (SCA) concept will result in improved EV performance, including enhanced efficiency, power density, reliability, and autonomy. As a result, EVs powered by SCAPE’s innovations will offer an unparalleled driving experience.

SCAPE’s standardisation and modular design will facilitate cost reduction in powertrain elements, allowing OEMs to access an efficient and quality-improved power converter production chain. This cost-effectiveness will translate into more affordable EVs for consumers.

With greater penetration of sustainable EVs in the market, the SCAPE project aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting the adoption of zero-emission transport and accelerating the acceptance of e-mobility, SCAPE contributes to the preservation of our planet for future generations.

By providing OEMs with access to a cost-efficient and quality-enhanced power converter production chain, SCAPE empowers manufacturers to focus on innovation and vehicle development. This, in turn, leads to happier drivers, who benefit from more affordable and better-performing EVs.

We are motivated to make a real impact with the SCAPE project beyond its project lifetime, by helping partners increase the adoption of their innovations.

With its innovative solutions to address power electronics challenges and its ambitious goals to shape an affordable and optimised EV ecosystem, SCAPE paves the way for a greener, more efficient, and environmentally responsible future. As the project’s models, simulations, digital twins, and prototypes take shape, the journey towards a cleaner planet and a thriving European e-mobility market becomes more promising than ever before.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. As part of its commitment to sustainability, an environmental impact assessment of the SCAPE process will also take place during the project, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its positive effects on the environment.

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