Nissan develops new inverter technology for EV applications
Nissan has announced the development of the first inverter using SiC (Silicon Carbide) diodes for vehicle use. These inverters were first tried on a Nissan X-Trail FCV. According to Nissan, inverters on electric-powered vehicles control the electricity coming from the power source, and their size has often set limitations on vehicle layout. The newly developed inverter is made from SiC diodes and is used with a new Heterojunction Diode (HJD) structure (a diode structure using both SiC diodes and silicon). Nissan claims there are quite a number of benefits from this new technology: reductions in size and weight of about 15 to 20 percent, an increase in reliability, and simplification of heat dissipation devices, a higher breakdown voltage and more capacity. Meanwhile, surface area is reduced by 70 percent and overall efficiency is up by 20 percent. This technology, although tried on a fuel-cell vehicle, is designed for all vehicles with electric motors.[Source: Nissan]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 10:18AM (9/10/2008)
The EV technology will do like the gasoline car technology of the 1900's era, it will develop to the utmost. We will be able to buy a corvette equivalent for 20 000$ made in america.
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stevefazek 8:41PM (9/10/2008)
What frustrates me about electric car manufactures is that they all are doing their own battery chemistry. battery design engine design controller design.
Even the Charger.
If EVs are to be viable the SAE has to step in ASAP.
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Chris M 10:41PM (9/10/2008)
Since there are a variety of possible plug-in auto applications, it makes sense that there would be a variety of battery chemistries, motor designs, and electronics.
The one area where standardization is sorely needed is in electrical connections for public charging stations. Regardless of application, all plug-ins need juice!