The E-Volve Cluster

Electric traction motors are pivotal to achieving zero tailpipe emissions in road transport, with their performance and cost shaping the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). To drive this transition, CliMAFlux is developing next-generation axial flux motors that deliver unprecedented efficiency, power density, and sustainability. Using a yokeless and segmented armature topology, these motors minimise reliance on rare earth materials, reducing their use by 60% while achieving superior power density compared to conventional radial flux machines. By integrating advanced excitation and cooling concepts, CliMAFlux aims to cut energy losses in driving cycles by over 35%, supporting Europe’s strategic autonomy in the EV value chain. 
CliMAFlux combines cutting-edge multiphysics modeling, digital twins, and innovative manufacturing to create motors with >23 kW/l power density, >70% recyclability, and 50% lower production costs (~€5/kW). These motors integrate seamlessly with power electronics and mechanical transmission systems, managed by AI-based predictive controllers to unlock advanced vehicle functionalities. Benchmarking at up to TRL7 will validate performance and environmental impact on virtual and hardware platforms, including a research EV. With a consortium of academic, industrial, and SME partners, CliMAFlux is set to establish Europe’s leadership in sustainable, high-performance EV motor technology, aligning with Key Strategic Orientations and the 2Zero transformation goals.

The EFFEREST project aims to advance energy-efficient electric vehicle (EV) designs by leveraging novel data applications and enhancing user acceptance to improve vehicle operation. By analysing real fleet behaviour, the project will implement significant enhancements that allow users to benefit from personalized data and choose vehicle performance settings, thereby encouraging energy savings during everyday usage.
This collaborative effort involves ten partners from industry and research, encompassing the entire EV value chain. Ultimately, EFFEREST seeks to bolster Europe's competitiveness by strengthening its industrial leadership in digital, enabling, and emerging technologies, making EVs more attractive to the global mass market. Funded by the EU, the EFFEREST project marks a crucial step forward in the pursuit of greener transportation solutions and a sustainable future.

Funded by the European Union, EM-TECH brings together experts from both industry and academia to revolutionise electric machine design. The project focuses on the development of advanced solutions like innovative direct and active cooling systems, virtual sensing technologies for real-time machine condition monitoring, and electric gearing to enhance operational flexibility and energy efficiency.  
Another key aspect is its focus on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), which are embedded early in the design stages to ensure sustainability and circular economy principles. EM-TECH also explores the use of recycled permanent magnets and other circular solutions, aiming for a more sustainable approach to electric machine manufacturing.  
Additionally, digital twin technology plays a crucial role in the project's real-time optimization and performance assessment. This effort, alongside other initiatives within the E-Volve Cluster, aligns with broader goals of reducing emissions, enhancing vehicle efficiency, and fostering the development of cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies in Europe.

The HEFT project addresses the urgent need for innovation in the automotive industry amid the challenges of climate change. As many corporations aim to transition towards electric vehicles, the production processes remain inefficient and environmentally detrimental. HEFT seeks to transform this landscape by developing a revolutionary synchronous motor designed specifically for electric cars. This new motor will be recyclable, cost-efficient, and constructed using fewer materials, thereby reducing emissions and fostering novel circular economies within the European context.
Bringing together the expertise of universities, research centers, and companies focused on electric motors, advanced materials, and sustainability, HEFT spans from fundamental research to the development and testing of innovative materials and components. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the project aims to create solutions that not only meet performance standards but also contribute to environmental preservation and resource efficiency, positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable automotive technology.

Focused on enhancing battery electric vehicle (BEV) architectures with distributed multiple-wheel drives and in-wheel powertrains, the HighScape project aims to develop a family of highly efficient power electronics systems. This includes integrated traction inverters, onboard chargers, DC/DC converters, and electric drives for auxiliaries and actuators.
These cutting-edge solutions will be rigorously tested on specialized test rigs and two different BEV prototypes to evaluate their performance and scalability. Through its innovative work, HighScape will generate new knowledge and foster industrial leadership in key digital technologies, contributing directly to Europe’s Key Strategic Orientations. The project will also play a vital role in supporting the transition towards zero tailpipe emission road mobility, aligning with the objectives of the 2Zero partnership to create a cleaner and more sustainable transport future.

HiPE aims to develop a new family of highly energy-efficient, modular, and cost-effective power electronics solutions using wide bandgap (WBG) technology. These solutions are crucial for the next generation of BEVs, with a focus on creating scalable WBG-based traction inverters, bidirectional onboard chargers (OBCs), and HV/LV DC/DC converters.
HiPE will also deliver GaN-based power electronics, offering integrated, fault-tolerant solutions for high-voltage ancillaries and chassis actuators. This cutting-edge project is expected to significantly improve the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles, while reducing costs and advancing modularity in their design.
The HiPE project aligns with the broader goals of the E-Volve Cluster by contributing to the development of energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-performing electric vehicle technologies, making it a vital piece in the puzzle of Europe’s transition to cleaner mobility.

The MAXIMA project is focused on developing an affordable and adaptable axial flux electric machine for the automotive industry, offering enhanced performance with reduced reliance on critical rare earth metals and minimizing environmental impact. Through an innovative Multiphysics design process, the project will employ novel thermal management techniques and build a Digital Twin to optimize the machine's control strategy and achieve maximum operational efficiency.
In addition to reducing costs by co-designing the electrical machine and its manufacturing process, MAXIMA is committed to addressing end-of-life concerns, particularly the recycling of rare earth metals used in permanent magnets. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will evaluate the environmental impact of the machine, providing recommendations to mitigate negative effects across various environmental categories, especially those related to climate change and resource scarcity. The project will conclude with the production of prototypes for testing and validating the innovative concepts developed, including the modular machine design, Digital Twin-based control, and advanced manufacturing and recycling processes.

The Multi-Moby project is an ambitious European initiative focused on advancing technology for safe, efficient, and affordable urban electric vehicles (EVs). With the goal of rapidly finalizing results from a cluster of European GV and FoF projects, Multi-Moby is manufacturing a fleet of multi-passenger and multi-purpose commercial vans. The project has been active for almost 2.5 years, and three of the six planned EVs have already been completed.
These six electric vehicles include pick-ups, vans, and passenger models, all featuring 4-wheel-drive (4WD) centralized powertrain architectures. The powertrain options include two 15 kW 100 V air-cooled powertrains using permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors, two 9.5 kW 48 V air-cooled powertrains with belt transmissions, and two 15 kW 48 V liquid-cooled powertrains. This diversified approach aims to meet various operational demands while prioritizing efficiency and sustainability in urban mobility.

The POWERDRIVE project is focused on transforming road transportation in Europe by developing next-generation, highly efficient, cost-effective, and compact power electronics solutions for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This EU-funded initiative integrates a portfolio of technologies aimed at multi-objective optimization of electric powertrains, ensuring enhanced performance across a range of vehicle types, from low to high-performance models.
With its integrated and adaptable power electronics solutions, POWERDRIVE is poised to address the diverse needs of the EV market, promoting zero-emission mobility and pushing the boundaries of electric powertrain design. The project's contributions will help make electric vehicles more efficient and sustainable, supporting Europe’s broader goal of decarbonizing transport.

RHODaS, a 4-year research project funded under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targets the development of integrated motor drive electric powertrains for multi-wheel drive architectures. The project, launched in May 2022, focuses on enhancing efficiency through advanced materials, cutting-edge semiconductors, and improved thermal management. It also seeks to standardise the manufacturing of power converters, ensuring scalable production and easier adoption across the automotive sector. RHODaS will develop both a prototype and a digital twin, enabling the project team to test and optimise the powertrain designs using real-time data and standardized tests. This holistic approach aims to deliver significant energy savings and a more sustainable future for electric long-haul vehicles.  
RHODaS aligns closely with the goals of the E-Volve Cluster, as it seeks to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange in the electric mobility ecosystem. Together, they work to accelerate the adoption of innovative, low-emission solutions in the automotive industry, fostering a greener, more efficient transport system across Europe. 

The SCAPE project is an exciting new initiative aimed at revolutionizing power conversion systems for the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). This 4-year, EU-funded project brings together innovation-driven partners to address the lack of standardization in EV powertrain design across different vehicles. By developing new power converters, SCAPE seeks to reduce costs and significantly improve the performance of power electronics in NextGen EVs.
Breaking away from traditional approaches, SCAPE will drive advancements in sustainable e-mobility by ensuring more efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective power conversion systems. Through its contributions, the project will support the broader mission of promoting zero-emission transport, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for electric mobility.

The SmartCorners project focuses on advancing in-wheel motors (IWMs) as a mature technology for user-centric electric vehicles (EVs). These IWMs can be integrated into multifunctional modules that combine the electric powertrain, friction brakes, and suspension/steering systems, offering significant opportunities for enhanced EV design and operation. By utilising machine learning and AI, SmartCorners will implement an adaptive multilayer control strategy based on historical and current data from vehicles, their environments, and user interactions, including data from relevant EV fleets.
This innovative approach will lead to software-defined vehicles that enable optimised design, energy management, and user comfort. Key areas of focus include skateboard-like chassis configurations, predictive thermal management, user-centric cabin control, and improved dismantling and recycling processes. The project will employ comprehensive simulation, design, and validation methodologies to accelerate development and lower costs, ultimately providing a competitive edge for the European industry and supporting EU strategic goals.

The VOLTCAR project is addressing a critical issue in the electric vehicle (EV) sector by reducing the dependence on rare earth permanent magnet materials in electric traction motors. This EU-funded initiative aims to develop groundbreaking technology that exceeds current performance, cost, and reliability standards, while also significantly cutting down on the use of these expensive and supply-risk-prone materials.
By employing a renewed design methodology, VOLTCAR is set to introduce a novel high-speed motor that not only improves power density and energy efficiency but also promotes circular value chains. The project emphasizes recycling and the reduced use of rare resources, ultimately contributing to greater sustainability. Additionally, these advancements will enhance motor durability and lower production costs, making a substantial impact on the EV industry and its environmental footprint.