A*STAR rolls out R&D programme for high-performance EV component

It will also bolster the local electric vehicle (EV) supplier ecosystem.

The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) launched a new R&D programme to help develop industry partners in the electric drive train sector and create value chains for Singapore’s EV ecosystem.

Under the Electric Traction Module Open Technology Platform Collaborative Industry Project (E-TraM OTP CIP), 10 industry partners, composed of local startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and MNCs, representing suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users, will collaborate.

Specifically, included in the project are Akribis Systems Pte Ltd, BorgWarner Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd, Giken Sakata (S) Limited, Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, ION Mobility Pte Ltd, MMI Holdings Limited, Neo Performance Materials (S) Pte Ltd, Nidec Singapore Pte Ltd, Proterial Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, and Sanwa Plastics Industry Pte Ltd.

They will partner A*STAR in R&D activities for electric drivetrains.

The R&D programme seeks to increase “the energy efficiency and torque performance of electric drivetrains – two key needs in this domain – increasing mileage for an EV on the same battery charge, and enabling more powerful acceleration at lower speeds.”

The programme will first focus on producing electric drivetrains for road-worthy electric two- or three-wheelers, such as electric scooters, motorcycles and tricycles.

Through the programme, the project has three phrases:
Explore: Conducting industrial gap analysis to identify problem statements and opportunities in R&D for electric drivetrains
Innovate: Forming strategic partnerships to support companies looking to pivot into the EV ecosystem and to enhance the value proposition for companies currently in the ecosystem, leveraging current capabilities to co-develop EV components and modules
Create: Engaging in R&D activities to co-create new, novel commercial offerings, as well as support companies in establishing their position in the value chain