ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN DESIGN: INNOVATIONS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The electrification of vehicles is reshaping transportation, with electric vehicle (EV) powertrain design playing a key role in this shift. This review focuses on recent innovations in electrical engineering that have enhanced EV powertrains, particularly in areas like electric motors, power electronics, energy storage, and thermal management. Advances in motor technology, such as permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), and the integration of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors have improved efficiency and reduced heat generation. Battery innovations, including solid-state technologies and advanced battery management systems, along with regenerative braking, have extended EV range and efficiency. Power electronics, including inverters and onboard chargers, now utilize wide-bandgap semiconductors to minimize energy losses and improve thermal performance. Additionally, novel cooling solutions are addressing thermal challenges in EV systems. Looking forward, modular powertrain architectures and AI-driven control strategies offer promising advancements for various vehicle types. This review provides an overview of how electrical engineering innovations are driving the future of EV powertrain design and sustainable transportation.