AVL Coup-e 800: A high-performance electric vehicle with 1200 V IGBT technology

The AVL Coup-e 800 features an electric high performance powertrain with 800 volt powernet, which was built into the vehicle platform of a Mercedes C-Class Sportcoupe. The consequent design of all core components of the electric powertrain – HV-Battery, E-Motor und Inverter – for the 800 Volt powernet guarantees dynamic driving performance, which corresponds to the sustaining customer request for sporty vehicle concepts. Accelerating 0 – 100 km/h in about 6 seconds,the AVL Coup-e 800 reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h and a range of 135 km with one battery charge. For realizing the above mentioned driving performance, the presented paper analyses on system level the basic requirements for the powertrain in general and the power electronics in specific. Due to significantly higher requirements in terms of reproducibility of traction power 1200 Volt IGBT technology is being used in the inverter of the Coup-e 800. The advantages of this voltage-level which mainly effects power electronics and that is not (yet) established in automotive industry are highlighted. The paper is closed by presentation of significant measurement results on vehicle level which prove the driving capabilities of the developed powertrain / electric vehicle.