Tula Technology's Expansion into China
Tula Technology, Inc., a frontrunner in improving propulsion efficiency, has partnered with a major global automotive supplier to bring their Dynamic Motor Drive® (DMD) technology to China. This marks a significant step as China leads the world in the electrified vehicle market.
Understanding DMD Technology
DMD stands for Dynamic Motor Drive, which is a cost-effective, software-only technology aimed at enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). It addresses key challenges like vehicle range, battery size, and cost, which are crucial for the wider adoption of electric vehicles. The ultimate aim of DMD is to support the transition to more efficient electric and hybrid vehicles.
Implementation in a Premium SUV
The DMD was implemented in a demonstration vehicle, specifically a plug-in hybrid full-size SUV. This vehicle is a range-extended EV, meaning it primarily uses an electric drive but includes a small internal combustion engine to charge the battery. The technology was applied to the rear primary eDrive, which consists of an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor and an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) inverter. The entire process of implementation and testing was completed in approximately six months.
Efficiency Gains and Testing Results
Testing has shown that Tula’s DMD provides a 0.6% efficiency improvement on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) when applied only to the rear primary eDrive. With full implementation including the front secondary drive, the efficiency benefit could increase to 1.5%. The technology shows promise in enhancing the range in both electric-only and range-extended driving scenarios. Moreover, the potential efficiency gains are greater in smaller, lighter vehicles than the tested luxury SUV.
Demonstrating DMD to Chinese Market
Moving forward, Tula's DMD technology will be demonstrated to Chinese automotive manufacturers and suppliers. These demonstrations aim to validate DMD's ability to boost efficiency and range while meeting the high noise and vibration quality standards expected of premium SUVs.
About Tula Technology, Inc.
Based in Silicon Valley, Tula Technology specializes in creating award-winning software controls that optimize propulsion efficiency and emissions across various vehicle types, including electric, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles. The company has built a strong culture of innovation, boasting a global patent portfolio of over 400 patents issued and pending. Tula Technology operates as a privately-held company.
