Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Lucas TVS have developed a 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS) for electric vehicle applications. The system was launched in Chennai on 02 March 2026 under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The technology has been designed, fabricated and validated in collaboration with industry and is ready for commercialisation and large-scale deployment. The 30 kW power class is intended for electric passenger vehicles, including compact cars and fleet mobility platforms.
The Integrated Drive System combines the electric motor and inverter into a single compact unit, replacing the conventional separated motor-drive configuration. The design is based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology and provides programmable torque-speed characteristics along with high overload capability. It is intended to achieve high power density and improved efficiency, thereby reducing battery energy demand and extending vehicle driving range.
System features released at the launch indicate high starting torque, configurable torque-speed characteristics and high torque capability in the high-speed region. The IDS offers higher overload capability compared with a conventional 3-phase interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) machine, supports a wide speed range of three to four times the base speed, and delivers high efficiency over a wide speed and torque range. Additional features include intermittent overload capability, improved electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility behaviour, and low acoustic noise and torque ripple.
Technical specifications show a continuous power rating of 30 kW and a DC bus voltage of 320 V. The motor is based on IPMSM technology with a continuous RMS current of 200 A and continuous torque of 110 Nm. The base speed is 3,000 rpm with an operating speed range up to 12,000 rpm. The system uses an absolute encoder, operates at a switching frequency of 10–50 kHz, incorporates liquid cooling with a silicon carbide MOSFET power module, and supports four-quadrant variable speed drive operation. Protection features include safeguards against DC bus under and over voltage, short circuit and over current, input under and over voltage, and over temperature, with an ambient temperature rating of 55°C. The IDS is controlled by a DSP-based digital controller.
MeitY stated that indigenous development of integrated drive systems could reduce dependence on imported high-performance EV powertrain systems and semiconductor-based drive components, while enabling localisation and scalable manufacturing. It added that adoption of the technology could create opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises in power electronics manufacturing, thermal systems and control hardware.
The launch event was attended by S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC; Manoj Kumar Jain, Group Coordinator (R&D in IT & CC & BT), MeitY; Ramanathan N. S., Chief Technology Officer, Lucas TVS, Chennai; Renji V. Chako, Senior Director, C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram; Om Krishan Singh, Scientist ‘E’, MeitY; and Kamlesh Hatua, IIT Madras, along with representatives from industry.
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said that the newly launched 30 kW Integrated Drive System integrates the electric motor and inverter into a single compact, high power-density unit, replacing the conventional separated motor-drive configuration.
C-DAC is a scientific society under MeitY focused on research and development in advanced computing, electronics and related technologies. Lucas TVS Limited is a Chennai-based manufacturer of automotive electrical systems, established in 1962 as a joint venture between Lucas Plc and the TVS Group. It supplies starter motors, alternators and other components to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket in India and overseas.
