In order to create a high frequency, 400V/60kW GaN inverter prototype for automotive usage and show that GaN is now superior to SiC or Silicon, QPT is awarded a grant for a new project dubbed VERDE.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) in the UK is funding this, which aims to hasten the release of early-stage technologies that will facilitate the transition to net-zero vehicles. RAM Innovations Ltd. is the other participant business in the APC Project.
With its high frequency switching capability of up to 1MHz, this GaN inverter prototype allows for significant reductions in waste, weight, and power expenses within the drive system. The key to this is the distinct pure sign wave output of QPT, which lowers vibration, harshness, and noise to increase reliability and lower power usage.
At the Cenex Expo in September 2025, QPT aims to present the first pure sine wave GaN-based traction inverter in history.
Traction Inverter Market for EVs
By 2032, the traction inverter market for electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.90%, from an estimated $17.93 billion in 2023 to over $73.08 billion. The traction inverter market is available at Precedence Research. Electric motors currently consume half of the world’s electricity; however, QPT’s technology might cut their electricity consumption by 10%, resulting in a major decrease in CO2 emissions.
Key Comments
Rupert Baines, QPT’s CEO, explained, “Our system technology enables GaN to be used for high-power, high-performance applications, overcoming the thermal and EMI problems that have stopped GaN being used in automotive in the past. We are already talking with automotive companies who would like to partner with us to leapfrog the market that is currently focused on SiC and realise GaN-based inverters. Reducing waste in the inverter and in the motor not only increases range (or reduces batteries for the same range), but it also simplifies the cooling system, further reducing weight. This is a major game changer for the EV industry.”
Peter Green, CEO of RAM Innovations Ltd, that provide innovative packing to keep dies cool, added, “We are delighted to be collaborating in this project that will have a huge impact in putting the UK into a leadership position in the development of EV technologies. This Project will create a demonstrator to be shown at Cenex Expo at UTAC Millbrook, UK in September 2025, where the world’s leading EV companies will be able to see the technological leap forward that this Project has made possible. This APC investment will accelerate bringing the technology to market by at least two years!”
Ian Stacey, QPT’s VP of Engineering and Operations who is the QPT project leader, concluded, “VERDE is part of Innovate UK’s campaign to fund exciting British innovations so that Britain can be a major force in the new technologies that will be driving the global economy. As well as stimulating research and development, it will also provide around 70 UK manufacturing jobs by 2032 as the technology is turned into products. In the drive to net-zero, the demand for electric motors will escalate and these must be as efficient as possible to minimise electricity being wasted. EVs will play an increasingly important role in achieving Net Zero. This project unlocks GaN and is a major step forward in achieving it, replacing legacy silicon and SiC.”
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