MotoVerter
The feasibility study focussed on the manufacturability and commercial feasibility of the preliminary MotoVerter for an inverter suited for electric motorcycles and PLVs.
Project Background
A market gap for inverters suitable for electric motorcycle was identified. No right-sized commercially available inverters are available that support a 400 V battery architecture and hence DC rapid charging. The only available options are 100 V inverters which. Then require heavy and slow on-board chargers or car-derived inverters which are over specified, very heavy and difficult to package on a motorcycle. The MotoVerter will fill this gap.
The MotoVerter aims to be an inverter well suited for electric motorcycles and PLVs with a continuous power output of around 30 kW with a suitably small form factor, low weight, straightforward cooling requirements and low cost.
Project Outcomes
The project identified how to manufacture the MotoVerter and what the production cost would be. It also gained insight into the electric motorcycle and PLV markets and their growth prospects so that the MotoVerter can be well positioned within the market.
Next Steps
The project now needs to refine the preliminary design based on design-for-manufacture insight and progress towards a proof-of-concept design. Relationships with potential partner organisations, such as PLV manufacturers, electric motor manufacturers or test houses, need to be established in order to continue the development of the MotoVerter.