McLaren Applied launches IPG5-x: a highly flexible and easy to

McLaren Applied launches IPG5-x: a highly flexible and easy to integrate 800V SiC inverter

IPG5-x developed to be highly flexible and integrated with any combination of motor and transmission, to form complete electric drive units (EDUs)
McLaren Applied sees growing OEM demand for integrated EDUs that save space and cost, especially in performance applications
IPG5-x offers extreme flexibility and modularity compared to existing Tier 1 products, allowing OEMs to combine the best available motor and transmission with a class-leading inverter
McLaren Applied in discussions with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers looking to enhance their EDU products; TREMEC collaboration to be showcased at Cenex LCV (6-7 September)
High-resolution imagery can be downloaded here

Woking, 30 August 2023 – McLaren Applied has launched IPG5-x, a highly flexible 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter that can be integrated into Electric Drive Units (EDUs). Targeting growing OEM demand for high-performing, integrated EDUs that save space and cost, the British engineering and technology pioneer has developed IPG5-x to work with a variety of motors and transmissions - especially in performance applications.

IPG5-x is an adaptation of McLaren Applied’s current award-winning 800V SiC inverter, IPG5. IPG5-x will coexist alongside the standalone IPG5, with application depending on customer need. The 'x' suffix was chosen because IPG5-x is a product designed for collaboration with Tier 1 and OEM partners looking to bring EDU products to market quickly and cost effectively. McLaren Applied is in discussions with several OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and is working with transmission provider TREMEC to jointly develop an integrated EDU for their first customer vehicle application.

“In our discussions with customers and partners, it’s become clear that OEMs are increasingly looking for the option to source integrated EDUs that save space, cost and speed up development time,” commented Paolo Bargiacchi, Head of Product at McLaren Applied. “We’ve developed the IPG5-x to be highly flexible, so it’s ready to be integrated within any combination of motor and transmission. It carries over all of our standalone IPG5’s qualities - peak efficiencies over 99%, continuously variable switching and fine motor control - building on the maturity of that product.”

Derived from decades of innovation in top tier automotive and motorsports, McLaren Applied’s IPG5-x offers best-in-class fine motor control and high efficiency through continuously variable switching frequencies; maximising the advantages of SiC semiconductors.

The IPG5-x forms a step forward in what the automotive team at McLaren Applied describes as the ‘ waves of electrification’. The first wave involved early pioneers of technology, the second wave is denoted by the breakthrough of EVs to the mainstream. The third wave is efficiency and will see inverter technology rapidly adopt SiC semiconductors, especially in 800V architectures, enabling vehicles to achieve longer range where efficient power electronics are key.

Bargiacchi added: “The immediate focus must be on achieving greater drivetrain efficiency and cost reduction, which you can do through a product like IPG5-x. The competitive landscape is ramping up significantly now that all manufacturers have established their product entry points.

“Models based on dedicated 800V SiC architectures are leading the way, driving a virtuous cycle: an efficient drivetrain inherently has a smaller battery, which makes the vehicle cheaper, lighter and easier to control, and offers a smaller embedded and operating carbon footprint. It also increases range and speeds up charge times, building trust in the technology.”

As competition increases, we will enter the fourth wave, where OEMs will need to differentiate the customer experience their products deliver. In anticipation of this change, McLaren Applied has developed advanced motor control software in both IPG5 and IPG5-x that enables a variety of features ranging from improved refinement through to a more engaging drive.

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About McLaren Applied:

More than three decades in F1 and other cutting-edge global motorsport have given McLaren Applied world-leading expertise in electrification, connectivity, control and sensing. This expertise is also applied to automotive, transport and mining sectors, delivering technologies at scale with a performance advantage. Our peoples’ expertise, coupled with our technology and agility, is pioneering a more sustainable, intelligent and connected future. Learn more at https://www.mclarenapplied.com.