EU Consortium Develops Compact 22 kW Bidirectional Charger with GaN Technology
A European consortium led by Fraunhofer IZM is working on a 22 kW on-board charger, reduced to 4 liters in volume by using GaN technology. The initiative is part of the HiPower 5.0 project, which runs from August 2025 to June 2028 and is funded with €33.7 million from the EU and member states.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI AssistedThe HiPower 5.0 project aims to create a 22 kW bidirectional on-board charger (OBC) with a compact 4-liter design, significantly smaller than the current 12-liter average. Key technology involves monolithically integrated GaN semiconductors from Infineon, enabling both forward and reverse current flow in a single device, thus improving efficiency and reducing component count.
The project involves 10 European nations, including 2 OEMs, 21 suppliers, 6 power electronics specialists, 10 universities, and 7 research institutions. Total project funding includes €5.74 million from the German Federal Ministry and €0.12 million from the Free State of Saxony, indicating strong governmental support for innovation in this sector. The collaboration may enhance the competitiveness of European manufacturers in the electric vehicle and marine markets.
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