EU Project Team Aims to Significantly Reduce Onboard Charger Size Using GaN Chips

Why It Matters

A four‑litre, high‑efficiency charger can lower vehicle weight, cost and cooling requirements, accelerating EV adoption across vehicle segments. The initiative also strengthens a European GaN supply chain, positioning the region as a leader in next‑gen power electronics.

Key Takeaways

• 22 kW OBC volume reduced from 12 L to 4 L
• Bidirectional GaN switches replace two silicon components
• EU funds project with $36.7 M, plus $6.3 M German support
• 45 partners across 10 countries develop integrated GaN power electronics
• Embedded PCB packaging shortens pathways, cuts losses, saves space

Pulse Analysis

The automotive industry has long wrestled with the bulk of onboard chargers, where higher power demands translate into larger silicon‑based converters, more heat, and heavier cooling systems. By leveraging bidirectional gallium‑nitride switches, the HiPower 5.0 team can collapse two traditional silicon stages into a single GaN device, slashing both the physical footprint and the thermal load. This breakthrough enables manufacturers to design slimmer EV platforms, improve cabin space, and reduce overall vehicle weight, which directly benefits range and efficiency.

Beyond the raw size reduction, the project’s system‑level approach—embedding power components into the printed‑circuit board—shortens electrical pathways and minimizes parasitic losses. Such integration not only boosts conversion efficiency but also simplifies assembly, lowering production costs and enhancing reliability. For OEMs, the ability to offer a 22 kW charger that fits in a four‑litre package opens doors to compact city cars and niche segments that previously could not accommodate larger power electronics.

Strategically, the €33.7 million (≈$36.7 million) EU investment, supplemented by German funding, underscores a concerted effort to secure a European‑centric GaN value chain. By coordinating 45 partners—from OEMs to research institutes—the consortium aims to bring market‑ready, wide‑bandgap solutions to both automotive and maritime applications. Successful commercialization could accelerate the transition to higher‑power, faster‑charging EVs while reinforcing Europe’s competitive edge in next‑generation power‑electronics technology.