- HiPower 5.0 is developing a highly compact 22kW on-board charger using GaN technology to significantly reduce size and improve efficiency.
- The project involves multiple European companies and institutions with strong funding support to advance EV and power electronics innovation.
The EU-backed HiPower 5.0 initiative is advancing the development of a next-generation 22kW On-Board Charger designed specifically for electric vehicles, targeting a major reduction in size while maintaining high efficiency. Announced on April 28, 2026, the project aims to shrink the charger’s volume to just four liters, significantly smaller than the current market average of approximately 12 liters. This breakthrough is being enabled by the integration of advanced bidirectional gallium nitride semiconductor technology, marking a key step forward in compact EV power electronics.
Compact Design Enabled by GaN Technology
The core innovation in this project lies in the use of bidirectional GaN semiconductors supplied by Infineon. These components allow efficient control of power flow in both directions within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components. This integration improves power density while reducing system complexity. The result is a significantly smaller charger footprint without compromising performance, which is crucial for modern electric vehicles where space optimization and efficiency are key design considerations.
Consortium Structure and Industry Participation
The HiPower 5.0 consortium includes a wide range of stakeholders across Europe, reflecting strong collaboration between industry and academia. Key participants include OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz and Ampere SAS, along with major suppliers and technology firms like Siemens and Valeo. The project also involves universities and research institutions, including Germany-based Fraunhofer IZM, RWTH Aachen, and the University of Stuttgart, ensuring a strong technical and research foundation.
Funding and Project Timeline Overview
The initiative is supported by substantial public funding, reflecting its strategic importance to Europe’s electrification goals. The total project funding stands at EUR 33.7 million, contributed by the European Union and participating member states. Additional contributions include EUR 5.74 million from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, along with EUR 0.12 million from the Free State of Saxony. The project timeline runs from August 2025 through June 2028, providing a structured framework for development and validation.
Demonstration and Broader Applications
The consortium previously demonstrated a working 22kW On-Board Charger unit at PCIM Europe 2024, although that version did not include the bidirectional GaN components. The ongoing development builds upon this foundation to deliver enhanced performance and compactness. While the primary focus remains on automotive applications, the project is also exploring use cases in marine shipping, expanding the potential impact of the technology across multiple industries requiring efficient power conversion solutions.
HiPower 5.0 Key Project Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Charger Power | 22 kW |
| Target Volume | 4 Liters |
| Current Market Average | ~12 Liters |
| Technology Used | Bidirectional GaN Semiconductors |
| Project Duration | Aug 2025 – Jun 2028 |
| Total Funding | EUR 33.7 Million |
This initiative highlights Europe’s commitment to advancing EV charging technology through collaboration, innovation, and targeted investment. By focusing on size reduction and efficiency improvements, the HiPower 5.0 project is positioned to play a critical role in next-generation electric mobility solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the HiPower 5.0 22kW On-Board Charger unique?
The HiPower 5.0 charger stands out due to its compact four-liter design combined with advanced bidirectional GaN semiconductor technology. This allows efficient power conversion in a significantly smaller footprint compared to current market solutions. The integration of GaN components enables better energy management and reduced system complexity. Additionally, the charger supports bidirectional energy flow, making it suitable for advanced EV applications like vehicle-to-grid systems. Overall, it represents a major leap in EV charging hardware innovation.
Which companies and organizations are involved in the HiPower 5.0 project?
The HiPower 5.0 consortium includes major automotive OEMs, suppliers, research institutes, and universities across Europe. Key participants include Mercedes-Benz, Ampere SAS, Infineon, Siemens, and Valeo, along with academic institutions like RWTH Aachen and the University of Stuttgart. The project is coordinated by Fraunhofer IZM and supported by EU funding. This multi-stakeholder collaboration ensures a strong combination of industrial expertise and research capabilities, enabling the development of advanced EV charging technologies.
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