News release overview
Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo Awarded the Prime Minister Prize of the National Commendation for Invention for the Insulation Structure of the 800V EV Inverter Power Module
Contributing to the widespread adoption of EVs and realization of carbon-neutral society through innovative technologies that enable greater acceleration and shorter charging times
Fig. 1. 800V inverter developed for EVs (left); Double-sided cooled power module (right)
Tokyo, May 31, 2022 – Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, "Hitachi") and Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. ("Hitachi Astemo") have received the Prime Minister Prize of the National Commendation for Invention FY2022 for the patent (patent registration no. JP6200871) pertaining to the insulation structure for power modules used in 800V electric vehicle (EV) inverters. The invention was recognized for being an outstanding technological advancement and demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in its implementation.
The "National Commendation for Invention" was established in 1919 by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation to contribute to advances in science and technology and the development of industry in Japan by recognizing creators of outstanding inventions, ideas, and designs, as well as researchers and scientists with notable achievements in these areas.
A higher voltage inverter for EV is effective in improving an EV's acceleration performance and achieving a shorter charging time. This newly developed insulation structure for the inverter power module realizes both high insulation resistance and high thermal dissipation. As a result, a more compact size and higher output is realized by increasing the voltage rating of the inverter, from the conventional 400V to 800V, making it possible to improve the acceleration performance and achieve a shorter charging time.
Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo will continue to promote the widespread adoption of EVs, through the technological innovation of key components such as inverters, and contribute to realizing a carbon-neutral society.
The awards ceremony will be held at The Okura Tokyo on Thursday, June 30.
