A NEW research and development (R&D) programme will build Singapore companies’ capabilities in manufacturing high-performance electric drivetrains, an important component of electric vehicles (EVs).

The Electric Traction Module Open Technology Platform Collaborative Industry Project, involving 10 industry partners ranging from local startups to multinational corporations, was launched by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) on Wednesday (Jul 26).

The aim is to turn Singapore into a “one-stop solution provider” for electric drivetrains to meet growing demand as South-east Asia shifts towards EVs, said David Low, executive director of A*Star’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SimTech), which leads the project.

The programme seeks to develop more energy-efficient and higher-performing drivetrains. This means that an EV with such a drivetrain can go further on the same battery charge, and have more powerful acceleration at lower speeds.

For a start, it will focus on developing technology for road-going electric motorcycles, scooters and tricycles, letting Singapore tap the growing demand for electric motorcycles in South-east Asia, said A*Star. The programme will be co-funded by the agency and industry partners involved, and will also be supported by research grants in the initial phases.

In the first phase of the project, which began on July 5, 2023, the industry partners will analyse gaps in the market to find R&D opportunities for electric drivetrains. Subsequent stages will see them form partnerships with companies both inside and outside the EV industry to co-develop components and modules, and engage in R&D to create new offerings. This will allow partners to “gain (a) technological advantage” in a competitive emerging sector, the agency added. For instance, electric motorcycle startup ION Mobility will partner SimTech to optimise and co-develop advanced motors and controllers. This could give its products an edge over regional competition, said James Chan, chief executive of ION Mobility.

GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign UpVIEW ALL

Participating companies

Another partner is Singapore industrial and automotive group Giken Sakata, owned by GSS Energy : 41F 0%, which will make its Iso electric motorcycle through its subsidiary Giken Mobility.

Singaporean subsidiaries of major international automotive suppliers are taking part, including BorgWarner Singapore, Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific, Nidec Singapore and Proterial Asia Pacific.

The other participating companies are electric motor manufacturer Akribis Systems, advanced materials supplier Neo Performance Materials, Singapore-based fabrication and electronics company MMI, and plastics manufacturer Sanwa Plastics Industry.