Innovative high-voltage technology for more powerful and efficient electric vehicles.

The European research project Enlighten, led by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, is developing a new generation of electric drives with an operating voltage of 1,200 volts. The goal is to create more powerful, efficient, and sustainable drive systems that remain backward compatible with existing 500 and 1,000 volt charging infrastructures.

A higher voltage level not only means increased performance and efficiency, but also influences the entire value chain of electromobility – from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to charging infrastructure operators and end users.

The Enlighten consortium, consisting of leading research institutions, industrial partners, and universities, is developing an advanced electrical system architecture as the basis for an innovative powertrain. This will be specifically designed for a C-segment (compact class) vehicle and demonstrated up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.

Technological innovations for maximum efficiency

The Enlighten system includes:

A dual high-voltage battery system with dynamic voltage switching while driving, enabling an optimal balance between performance and energy efficiency.
An integrated motor-inverter drive train that combines high efficiency and a compact design.
A highly efficient DC/DC converter for flexible adjustment of the system voltage.
An AC/DC capable onboard charger that supports both DC charging and conventional AC charging.
A powerful Power Distribution Unit (PDU) that enables intelligent energy distribution within the vehicle.
The consistent use of state-of-the-art gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology minimizes power losses, maximizes efficiency, and simultaneously reduces cooling and installation space requirements. The system architecture thus significantly exceeds the current state of the art and sets new standards for future electric vehicles.

The role of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

As consortium leader of the Enlighten project, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology contributes its leading expertise in power electronics, battery systems, and system integration. In addition to scientific and organizational coordination, Austria's largest non-university research institution is developing and validating key technologies for the new 1,200-volt high-voltage architecture. In close collaboration with industrial partners and academic institutions, AIT is thus contributing to strengthening the innovative strength and competitiveness of the European automotive industry.

Project manager Hannes Lacher emphasizes: "With 1,200 volts, Enlighten brings the next generation of electric drive to the road – more powerful, more efficient, and more sustainable, without neglecting the existing charging infrastructure."