M.A.T. in the European Project ENLIGHTEN: towards 1200V electric propulsion

M.A.T. enters the future of electric mobility with the European project ENLIGHTEN

Manifattura Automobili Torino participates as  beneficiary partner in the ENLIGHTEN project, a research and innovation action funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme.

ENLIGHTEN, acronym for nExt geNeration 1200V eLectric hIGH volTage powErtraiN, is an ambitious project, lasting 48 months (January 2025 – December 2028), which aims to redefine the standards of automotive electrification through the development of a next-generation propulsion system that goes beyond the current 800V architecture, targeting an indicative voltage level of 1200V.

What is the ENLIGHTEN project and why it is important

The project stems from a key question: can the transition to voltages above 800V concretely improve efficiency, charging speed and costs of electric vehicles? ENLIGHTEN aims to answer with validated experimental data, demonstrating a complete propulsion technology on a real vehicle.

The main objectives of the project include:

• Reduction of energy losses by 25% compared to the current state of the art
• Fast charging from 20% to 80% in just 10 minutes with the 350 kW stations available today
• Cost reduction of 20% for power electronics modules and for the entire propulsion system
• Increase in effective range of approximately 20% with the same battery weight
• Full retrocompatibility with existing charging infrastructures at 1000V and 500V

A technologically disruptive aspect of the project is the use of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors, a material with very low losses and ultra-fast switching that allows efficiency to be maximised while minimising footprint and cooling requirements. Compared to silicon carbide (SiC), GaN integrated circuits can have a CO₂ footprint up to two times lower; compared to traditional silicon, the environmental advantage exceeds four times.

The demonstrator vehicle chosen for integrations and final testing is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, currently present in M.A.T.’s workshop in Turin.

A European consortium of excellence: the ENLIGHTEN partners

The ENLIGHTEN project is carried out by a consortium of ten partners from seven European countries, selected to cover the full spectrum of necessary expertise: from academic research to the automotive industry, from specialised SMEs to major Tier 1 suppliers.

The consortium’s Kick-off Meeting was held in February 2025 at AIT’s headquarters in Vienna, officially marking the start of the project activities.

The technological architecture: how the ENLIGHTEN powertrain works

The heart of the project is an integrated propulsion system consisting of:

• Dual-voltage battery with dynamic switching capability between the two levels during driving
• E-drive with integrated high-voltage motor and inverter
• Intermediate DC-DC converter
• On-board charger compatible with both AC and DC
• Power Distribution Unit (PDU)

All power devices will be made with next-generation GaN semiconductors, capable of ultra-fast switching and minimal losses, with direct benefits on efficiency, cooling and compactness of the system.

The system will reach a technology readiness level of TRL5, meaning validated in a relevant environment, not just on paper, but on a real vehicle under real driving conditions.

M.A.T.’s role: integration, validation and systemic vision

Within the project, Manifattura Automobili Torino plays a key role as vehicle integrator, contributing directly to the transformation of research into concrete application.

M.A.T.’s main responsibilities:

• Definition of technical requirements and the 1200V architecture
• Integration of the E-drive system into the vehicle
• High voltage (HV) safety management
• Software development (VCU and HMI)
• Complete integration of the propulsion system
• Testing on rolling road and on track (WLTC cycles and dynamic tests)

M.A.T. represents the point of convergence between technological development and real-world validation, ensuring that the solutions developed are effectively transferable to the market.

Why this project is strategic for M.A.T.

M.A.T. has already designed, validated and produced a hypercar with an 800V architecture, the Aspark Owl, demonstrating consolidated mastery of high-voltage propulsion systems. Participation in ENLIGHTEN represents the natural step towards the next technological frontier.

The value that M.A.T. brings to this project is threefold:

1. Advanced technical expertise: enhancement of internal know-how relating to 1200V HV infrastructures and integration of next-generation propulsion systems
2. European network: consolidation of relationships with the leading research and technology institutes (RTOs) of the continent
3. Market opportunity: conducting a specific business case for the application of 1200V technology in the niche and high-performance super sports vehicle segment

The impact of ENLIGHTEN on the future of electric mobility

The long-term vision is that of ultra-efficient, ultra-fast-charging and lower-cost electric vehicles, capable of tackling long journeys with small, eco-sustainable batteries. A vision fully aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package.

For further information on the ENLIGHTEN project, visit the official website: enlighten-project.eu

nExt geNeration 1200V eLectric hIGH volTage powErtraiN.

Funded by European Commission Horizon Europe framework program (GA no. 101192573)