Hitachi mass-produces 800V high-voltage and high-output inverters to increase the range of electric vehicles

(Image source: Hitachi official website)

According to foreign media reports, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. has begun mass production of 800V high-voltage and high-output compatible EV inverters, which effectively improve the range of electric vehicles and make long-distance driving no longer a dream. At the same time, the use of this inverter can optimize the acceleration performance of the car and shorten the charging time.

In order to create a new high-voltage system, Hitachi redesigned the inverter insulation structure, developed a compact double-sided cooling power module, and equipped it with a new high-voltage insulation heat dissipation installation technology. Compared with the previous generation of inverters, this solution can support twice the voltage, reaching 800V; the power density is as high as 94.3kVA/L, which is 2.7 times that of the previous generation. In addition, Hitachi developed a new power semiconductor packaging technology to support high-voltage systems.

Globally, as environmental regulations tighten, electric mobility is becoming increasingly popular. The EU has mandated that average CO2 emissions be reduced from 120.5g/km (2018) to below 95g/km (2021). In addition, as China's new energy vehicle (NEV) points policy begins to take effect, Chinese automakers are accelerating the promotion of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and other models in the country.

Most existing pure electric vehicles use a 400V electrical system. In order to increase the driving range, additional batteries need to be connected in parallel. This can increase the battery capacity, but also prolong the charging time. Through the 800V system, the battery can be charged in a short time, and large-capacity batteries can also be charged quickly. While effectively improving the power density, the driving range is greatly increased.