TU Wien has opened the eMOTION Lab, a new research hub dedicated to advancing electric drivetrain technology and power electronics, with the facility beginning operations through the launch of an inverter test bench for industry and academic partners.
The laboratory is designed to support the development of next-generation electric drive systems while strengthening collaboration between researchers, automotive companies, and technology suppliers.
Research Focuses on Electric Drivetrain Technologies
The first phase of the eMOTION Lab became operational at the beginning of July with an inverter test bench that is available for use by industrial companies, research organizations, and university partners for product development and validation.
According to TU Wien, the facility will focus on several key areas of electric drivetrain technology, including inverter development, efficiency improvements, thermal management, and advanced cooling solutions.
One area of research is immersion cooling, a technology that directly surrounds electronic components with dielectric liquid to improve heat dissipation and system performance.
Future expansion plans include the addition of a high-voltage integration test bench and an e-axle test bench, broadening the laboratory’s capabilities for testing complete electric propulsion systems.
Supporting Industry Collaboration
Power electronics play a central role in electric mobility by converting direct current from vehicle batteries into alternating current required to operate electric motors. These inverter systems are essential components in battery-electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
The eMOTION Lab is operated by Automotive & Mobility Engineering GmbH (ame), a wholly owned subsidiary of TU Wien, with the objective of supporting joint research projects with industry while helping train the next generation of engineers specializing in electromobility.
Among the industrial partners supporting the initiative is Austrian engineering company AVL List, which has supplied test and measurement technology for the research infrastructure.
The laboratory’s opening also featured technical presentations covering emerging electromobility technologies, including inverter design, immersion cooling systems, and megawatt charging solutions for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles.
TU Wien said the new research platform is intended to strengthen innovation in electric drivetrain technology while providing industry with advanced testing capabilities for future vehicle development.
