The World's Most Power-Dense Hypercar Inverter | Mondays with Mate E10

When looking at an EV powertrain, one often thinks of batteries (range) and electric motors (power) alone. In today’s episode of Mondays with Mate we put the most overlooked component in the spotlight: the inverter. Just like the rest of the components of the Rimac C_Two, the Rimac BFI is the market leader when it comes to power density and is completely developed in-house from scratch.
Together with Mateo Milovac, Embedded Hardware Development Inverter Team Lead at Rimac Automobili, our founder and CEO Mate Rimac tell you all you need to know about our inverter, the Rimac BFI (Big Fabulous Inverter.)
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[@RimacAutomobiliOfficial]

Do you have what it takes to deal with current affairs and to work on the Rimac BFI? Check out our careers page: www.rimac-automobili.com/en/company/careers/

[@robertjusic9097]

@Daniel Roig tesla does it all the time. The model 3 performance got a power boost 3 months ago, i think it was arround 35kw

[@robertjusic9097]

@Daniel Roig yeah but it still is more power. The only fault of tesla here is them not giving the full power from the beginig

[@45llamas]

Why you called it inverter? it should be called Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) or Motor Control Unit

[@lordsamich755]

What's the benefit of torque vectoring? Doesn't constant current controll do the same thing?

[@daniloviana8818]

Do you accept someone from Brazil? Electronic Engineer, FPGA and Embedded Hardware/software experience.

[@mgcharoudin]

BFI, Big Fabulous Inverter. Ok, we now understand what the Inverter is, but which one of them two is Big and which one is Fabulous?

[@mgcharoudin]

@Gautham Nanda Kishore I don't know what to answer to this.

[@justgregm7843]

We know your answer, Misha😀. I saw your video. It was a nice ride.

[@DEVAXTATOR-1]

this is why i come here most bosses dont even understand what is the tech and what is behind the effort! keep it coming mate i will keep watching

[@shubhrasinha268]

Some double-phd-holding engineers in the German big three just rolled over. I'm an ex-FSAE engineer and I know how great potential gets squashed in big MNCs. Love what you guys are doing here!

[@mennovanlavieren3885]

Some types of progress requires a garage setup. That is what Lockheed discovered when starting the Skunk-works team. They had a guy who kept all the Excel managers and paper pushers outside.

[@vidznstuff1]

German Big Three? One of them, with a recently released high performance EV is using Rimac software and powertrain, lol

[@orvvro]

Great video! Thanks team Rimac for being so open... This company is truly revolutionary. To publicly share component testing demonstrations is something no legacy automaker would ever do afaik. And to see the CEO being so involved, knowning what his team is doing. The era of businessmen being the CEO is over. The era of engineers being the boss is here. Thank you ❤❤

[@mirkorenerLT]

it seems like the good old days at tesla, and I really hope even rimac obtain as much success!!

[@highperformanceengines3902]

The reason of this "open" is basically due to the fact that Mate has realized (he explained this in a video) in the early years of Concept ONE, no sufficient money they can make with only the selling of their car, and needed to concentrate to the furniture of his technology to others to allow him to grow, and this is well documented, now they are well known in the market of supercars, with big car makers how their costumers like Koeniggsegg, Seat (with the Leon Cupra race cars), Aston Martin (with the valkyrie if I'm right), and many others costumer and car makers not disclosed. This is the main reason of their growth and this will allow finally Mate, to disclose his last hypercar to the world, for now, is a mere display of capability to potential private customers (rich peoples for the car) and others car manufacturers or electric propulsion companies or battery developers (they have sealed a contract with a Chinese battery manufacturer for 30 million of dollars). ultimately, Porsche has bought quotes of RIMAC for 7 million Euros (i think the 10%) this will allow Porsche to take advantage of the technology of electric propulsion of RIMAC and do better in the future.

[@brianswille]

Thank you so much for continuing to do these. I'm a petrol head, that said no company has me more interested in the work being done for electric cars than Rimac. Mate you and your team are creating something truly incredible. I hope to come see you and your facilities someday, that would be epic! Could you do an episode and delve deeper into partnership or collaboration work with other car manufacturers? Perhaps if you do work outside the automotive industry that would be very interesting as well. Rimac is not just a car company it's a tech developer. (Does your software or engineering get used by others, how many companies around the world do you work with, what new experiments are you branching out to in addition to automotive ... just some thoughts) Thanks again and keep these coming. I'll watch and like everyone.

[@kunalpanchal7751]

Dear Mate, I really appreciate the idea you are promoting as a young engineer to drive a whole bunch of people towards something remarkable. You are doing something I am dreaming for now..!! You are my idol..!!

[@Stuntsmaster095]

Formula Student has been mentioned several times now. Maybe a video where you talk to more Rimac engineers who gained extra experience through Formula Student?

[@fsimeche]

We love the idea, any opportunities to collaborate, Rimac?

[@jacoboffersen856]

#SDU-VIKINGS

[@Thefreakyfreek]

I have been on formula student once if you ever have the chance do it

[@Stuntsmaster095]

@@Thefreakyfreek I've been a part of a FS team for 3 years now, so I know what it is about. Was hoping for Rimac to do a video where they speak about their experience with new engineers with FS experience just as an example

[@PartykongenBaddi]

Heyooo, I'm also here. Woop woop!

[@lucoking99]

Can you tell us more about AC motors,and how you managed to double the torque compared to C1 motors.

[@essentials1016]

Oh yes please.

[@yadhi3100]

Second to this!

[@DEVAXTATOR-1]

i second this

[@lulube11e111]

Mo powa mo torque

[@makantahi3731]

no , it is secret, next question please

[@Mongezi44]

This company is the benchmark imo. Team of nerds who just enjoy making awesome stuff coz they can.

[@exidous6831]

The parallels between Rimac and Koenigsegg in operation and design philosophy are quite impressive. Love both companies and their owners.

[@robertjusic9097]

Rimac did the batteries in their regera

[@nevenante]

Puno hvala za ovu divnu demonstraciju.

[@AlexVargasPipa]

Would be great to see about "touch and feel", the way Rimac develops the textures for the parts people touch. Thanks for sharing

[@NitroTom91]

This was just recommended to me and normally I would say I had to find hyper cool stuff like this myself on youtube. I'm halfway through the video and a huge fan already.

[@Kristijan1205]

Very interesting, I must say, I've been enjoying every minute of the video and given information. Go on!

[@stevecole1984]

Love these episodes , very interesting and informative!!!!!

[@edermancera1123]

Hey Mate ! Love the content and your company’s concept. Would like to see next how you run your dynamics simulations and testing, suspensions, ride, cornering and so on!

[@a.d.7042]

Thank you very much, it was very informative!!

[@republikadugave420]

I never knew that i would watch a 10min video on youtube about an inverter...but this is soooo interesting i couldnt stop watching...

[@Tjescoo]

Very personal video. I feel like Rimac sells a design, or art, more than an intensely refined piece of over-engineering like the big brands

[@nicofonce]

How can you not like and respect Rimac and it's people? World leaders right there...

[@ghirmai]

It is a great joy to watch you guys....

[@wunderkind56]

I retired as an engineer working propulsion systems at a large commercial aircraft maker. If I were a young engineer now this would be a dream job for me.

[@aDaWaN]

Nice humble beginnings, I remember we tried to build our own inverter for our Formula Student team. Exploding MOSFETs can be very loud! Cool to see the efficient testing. I know this gets very nerdy, but can you elaborate on the semiconductor switches and switching frequency of the inverter?

[@maxtorque2277]

You can guess the maximum switching frequency from the bit where he says" Motor control runs at 20,000 times a second"... With FoC you will ideally run the control algorythm (rotor position, Park& Clark-> d & q axis current control, Inv Park&Clark, then SVM) syncronously with the fundamental frequency so you can update your duty tables on every counter overflow

[@lernenmitrobin]

@@maxtorque2277 Right hint. With DMA (direct memory access) you're able to perform higher PWM frequency than the control period and update the registers when the control loop is calculated. This makes sense, if you use MOSFETs (SiC MOSFETs for higher voltages). Otherwise the switching frequency of IGBTs is limited, but current density per chip area is even bigger. If 20 kHz is the switching frequency, they will probalbly use IGBTs

[@franciscoshi1968]

@@lernenmitrobin @@lernenmitrobin You will have trouble switching IGBTs effecintly at 20khz and there is no real gain other than noise reduction. Once you start to get to higher RPM and current you are better off dropping the switching frequency in order to reduce losses. One way to double the power is to double the speed. Then double the number of poles so you get half the rpm but double the torque. There is a limit to how far you can go but from the electrical point of view running at 1khz for the motor frequency should be still viable.

[@macberry4048]

I really enjoyed seeing the testing setup and getting a explanation of what the inverter does. For a future video I would like to learn about any exotic materials that could be used in future electric cars for longer range and faster charging

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Mate ive spent years in ICE dyno cells, work with EV too. All credit to you guys for building your own, makes complete sense C2 motor drives 2xC1 grid makes up the difference. I would like to see the physical drive train of the C2, getting my head round the relation ship between construction of components to withstand the power. I drive Tesla P85 and Zero SRF working on 650Kg Lotus 7 EV ......for fun.

[@TheCarLovingSwede]

I work with wiring harnesses, so a video on that would be very interesting! Especially focusing on all the shielding needed for an electric car.

[@kentonian]

For signals you can use twisted pair to counter induction

[@beforebefore]

The goal of testing isn't just to make sure it will do what it's supposed to do... but push it BEYOND the design limits to see what blows up first... upgrade that part or circuit, try again and blow something else up... improve that, and so on. That's how you get a total system "headroom", so that you have room to perform AT LEAST to full specifications, no matter the environmental and operating conditions. It would be so great working with Mate... someone who actually understands the tech that his employees are designing!

[@Lionfish5656]

Stuff like this is making me want to become an engineer & to pick up my calculus textbook. Things like this are why I like Rimac & I believe that mathematics is so powerful & awe inspiring.

[@BorisMitendorfer]

You are doing amazing work with the car!

[@TimWillz]

Hi Mate, I’m really enjoying this series so far! I would love to see some more info regarding the charging system on the vehicle. A lot is covered regarding the batteries and inverters for obvious reasons (they give the vehicle performance which is exciting) but none of this would be possible without charging the high voltage batteries. Some questions I have are: Are you able to charge in AC & DC, what kind of power is the system able to charge at, what type of connectors are you using and where is it on the car, do you have your own charging equipment (cables/wall boxes) or are you relying on public infrastructure? Thanks very much! Tim

[@franzupet4406]

I love design and all filets on inverter housing it looks awesome

[@PedrinbeepOriginal]

That board is beautiful well design!

[@rjung_ch]

If I was 40 again I'd apply for a job, what a bunch of great people get together there. Way to go guys!

[@Mladjasmilic]

I have tried, several times.

[@taylormkct]

Would love to see how you design and build the chassis and framework of the concept 2.

[@valeriikudelia9641]

I see fine and balanced mechanics. Sound of working motor tells about small current and torque ripples. Good job! Have you considered flux control in PMM?

[@MrMikugo]

Can you tell us more about the Software Architecture in your cars and projects? Do you follow traditional approaches also for ECU development or do you rethink this as well?

[@praveenyadav6272]

Thanks for such informative videos Your work is inspiring a lot us to do something innovative and challenging. If possible make a video sharing light on how is battery life estimation done. How can the battery designer be sure that the life of the pack is going to be 8 years or so?

[@victoriobocalandro]

I love your company and i hope one day can work with you guys. Until then, greetings from Argentina.

[@fedemav1]

You are the best Mate, i whis you conquer the car industry!!!! i would like to know about the aerodynamics of the car!!!!! congrats from uruguay!

[@RawzesCollection]

As someone who has worked many years in the area of inverters, precision motion control, and big equipment ... these are the thoughts that run through my head when watching this video ... Are you using IGBT's, fet's, something else on the front end and driver stages? -- Ensuring (whatever they are) are gain stamped and are matched sets helps tremendously with heat balance, dissipation, and loading. This in turn allows for larger currents without fail, with less lag, less electrical harmonics, leading to larger efficiency gains. I have seen a lot of manufacturers make this oversight in the past, especially as new people come along with less experience in this field. Not sure if your factoring that into your design so if your not, then that is one area of improvement that can be utilized on the inverter side of things. Next is the question of magnetic clearances in the motor itself. The tighter the magnetic tolerances/clearances, the higher the torque and efficiency. - There are already some variable frequency 3-phase AC motors on the market with near micron clearances taking advantage of this that have insanely close tolerances and need to to be assembled / aligned with specialized machinery. This presents another large advantage that is well worth the cost of the tooling. My next thoughts take me in the direction of what your possibly doing with dynamic braking and other reflected energy. Are you simply spilling it off? - or are you recovering and re-using it?. Also, I do not see in the video where the power leads are a balanced, matched impedance set. That is another area of loss under high current or voltage. Last but not least, I saw no line reactor on the DC supply front end. You may have it, I just did not see it, so am mentioning it... This would be important for power balance and absorption, helps with energy recovery, protection of the DC side of things, and to suppress the transitions of output power to energy recovery of large spikes or transitions from power into and out of dynamic braking events. - That is where my thoughts go.

[@michaborski7383]

very cool, keep the good work

[@edgallagher8675]

10:25 "Luckily we didn't blow up the inverter which happens sometimes and the magic smoke stayed in the inverter" I'm sure that Mate understands all too well the magic smoke theory of electronics lol

[@SuperFuzzmonkey]

Awesome video guys 👏

[@jlehm]

Rimac, Tesla and Koenigsegg constantly pushing the limits of what super and hyper cars are. Truly amazing to see what brilliant minds with the necessary financial backing are able to achieve. Keep it up!

[@vidznstuff1]

Koenigsegg uses Rimac tech, lol

[@jlehm]

vidznstuff1 yes, as do other companies, but did Rimac develop everything else on the Koenigseggs? No.

[@AnthonyGriz]

Mate, thank you for another great episode. What programming language are you using in the programming of the Rimac's various system (e.g. Python, C, C++, Perl. PLC Ladder) and what are the dis/advantages you have when using that particular software, versus using something else?

[@marsovac]

Python/Perl... are you joking? :D Even C++ is stretching. Perhaps C++ with __asm blocks for critical code. If you want to extract that last bit of performance you need assembly tailored for the hardware at hand. High level languages just cannot compete.

[@cwbh10]

Eh big feels with the car project, I just graduated a couple weeks ago and before Corona our FSAE project really influenced myself and my peers

[@konradjedrys9357]

Huge respect from Poland. Your achievements are tremendous. I have the following questions: 1. If you had to choose between two vector control algorithms: Field Oriented Control and Direct Torque Control, which one would you use in electric car and why? Do you implement space vector modulation and third harmonic injection into your motor control algorithms? 2. What variables (except the signal from the gas pedal) determine the amount of electromagnetic torque generated by each electric motor? Do you use accelerometer or steering wheel position signals for this purpose? 3. How do you improve your synchronous motors performance in the field weakening region? 4. What are your predictions related to the impact of the spread of autonomous electric vehicles on global GDP in the perspective of the 2020-2030 decade?

[@Miata822]

Nice demonstration. I just today found your KZbin channel and subscribed. Going through all videos now. QUESTION: How efficient are your motors, drivetrain, and electronics at turning the vehicle's inertia into stored energy during regen. I realize that depends on many variables so maybe just what is the maximum design regen rate? I ask because this information has been difficult (impossible really) to find for other EV manufacturers. I believe most EV drivers overestimate the effectiveness of regeneration (and displays may overstate). They tend to leave regen set at the highest level, effectively wasting power in steady state driving that frequently engages regen when deceleration is not really intended. I assume Rimac manages regen quite intentionally.

[@nevenante]

You guys make me proud!!! I was 15 years old when my parents emigrated Yugoslavia in 1964 from Mali Losinj to USA. I am currently employed as a test engineer in Prosoft-Technology company in Bakersfield CA. Do you guys accept participation of small private investors?

[@pufarinu]

amazing video!

[@MarkReedman]

That's awesome. I'd love to use the technology to convert an existing petrol/diesel car to fully electric

[@edwardfrench945]

Love Rimac 👍

[@edwardfrench945]

I wonder if Mate will see this 🙏🏻👍

[@michelcote]

!!! 500 Kw this small !!! Congratulations !

[@ecchstore2939]

I have a 100+ years old oldtimer AC motor with the same size. It can produce aproximately 0,2-0,5 kW :D but not to go far in time, in my childhood we use almost the same size (little bit longer, and less diameter) We use a 2,5 kW AC motor to grind cereals like corns, oats, etc. :D 30 years ago I would not have imagined that there would be hundreds of times the performance of a similar size. I saw 100-200kW motors around this time, but they were the size of a water heater (Gamz-Mávag type suburban train traction engine)

[@EspHack]

is torque vectoring enough to offset the car's weight compared to ICE hypercars while cornering?

[@thabangnkomo8307]

Can you tell us more about the torque vectoring system you have in place

[@buzzerbeaterbuzzerbeater9001]

By far the coolest car engineers in the world. By far.

[@rafaeltejeda8269]

No sé si hables español. Pero ese Rimac nevera es una completa locura a parte de crear un verdadero verdugo para los hypercars es hermoso una obra maestra, eres un genio alguien realmente fuera de este mundo ojalá algún día pueda ver alguno saludos desde mexico

[@blek3539]

Question: How many HP is required to overcome aerodynamic and tyre-ground drag on c_two at its top speed? Or what is the frontal area of the car and downforce at 412kph in low drag mode (so I can roughly estimate it)?

[@user-qq9kg2dj9e]

Awesome 👏

[@vpavi]

I will like to know how car calculate power for each motor when is on turning corners on difrent condition on road( like ice, water pocket...) assuming that driver pushing car over his limit.?

[@pcman1239]

MAGNIFIQUE :)

[@jahyoda]

Love All Things Remac

[@Dr.DRW_91]

Are you using a regular 2 level inverter or a multi level (eg. 3, 5, 7, 9, 12)

[@blek3539]

When will you unveal c_two and when will shipping start?

[@user-ne3rb8ps8j]

Would be glad to listen about your motors. They seem to be pretty standard though some details are interesting...

[@luisfernandes4145]

AWSOME!!! 👍 Can you explain us how torque vectoring works? Thanks.

[@dubravkopapic3902]

dont work, just imagine

[@jorithanneforth1313]

Nice Video series!! I'd be interested in the energy management software. Also i wonder how much of the work you do is software stuff and how much is to design the hardware of the car. Because eg Tesla is calling themselfes a software company, who builds cars. Would you say you are a car company rather than a software company?

[@Miata822]

Going through Rimac's videos here on KZbin it is clear that Mate is a "car guy." While the cars they have built have lots of software they talk about first ensuring the chassis itself has proper dynamics. Every car made today contains miles of code and countless electronics components. OEMs constantly tweak and tune the electronic controls of their ICE engines. Mate's first car was a BMW he bought for racing then converted to electric when the ICE engine failed. They are a car company and a vendor to car companies.

[@TheDIYer]

i've not seen any videos of the ai driven part in rimac , how do you do ota updates ?

[@lawrencepll76]

Hey Mate, Can you do episodes on each of the power train components and dive deep into the specs and engineering? I’d love to learn about batteries, gearbox, electric motor, battery management, etc! 😃 Lawrence

[@rajkargutkar3751]

Sir make one video on business related video (partnership ....) (If new car company need your help which type of help u do for that company)

[@gfbprojects1071]

Inspiring technology 👍 Does your company have a vision for the future which will include some of this tech into less expensive vehicles for use by the average motorist?

[@matthewmustapic710]

Mate! As a Croatian living abroad, please go into detail how your workers are enjoying our beautiful country!

[@willi19391]

Ahh, još jedan polupismeni nadničar i dezerter koji misli da ima nešto pametno za reći. Učini nam svima uslugu i ne vraćaj se u Hrvatsku.

[@MrURgod]

Bravo!

[@mickmccrohon]

are you using permanent magnets in a Halbach array on the rotor?

[@vidznstuff1]

The guts of your 2 speed gearbox would be interesting to see

[@ajrose7865]

Hey Mate, what is your opinion on the Lotus Evija and do you see it as something to help improve the C2 as it is a competitor?

[@PG-ji6vq]

Really interesting. The test settled on700Nm so quickly I suspect there is significantly more torque available from this motor. I just hope the cooling system and tyres will be able to keep up on the road car....

[@MrMikugo]

Can you tell us something about your Software Development process? How are your Software teams organized?

[@macberry4048]

For the next video I would like to hear any thoughts on the future of electric cars

[@martinchapman2168]

Good video

[@TelmoMonteiro]

Inverters are cool!

[@aaccmm1398]

You know, not a lot of people will have access to a couple million dollars to buy a Rimac so I was wondering if you can tell us a bit about the cars YOU like for example in the $10k range, $50k, $100k, and so on! Thanks! If I had millions and could only choose one it would be VERY hard to choose between Rimac and Koenigsegg! The best automotive companies in the world! Keep the videos coming Mate, thanks!

[@beforebefore]

9:40 - how do you keep that T-slot table from twisting all to heck?? 670HP/516 lb-ft of torque... that's insane... and wonderful at the same time!! That motor is barely larger than the one in my i3 !!!

[@fawwazjawabreh9478]

Can you tell us more about the financial challenges Rimac Automobili had since the start of the company? And more insight on the investment rounds up until this day? Thanks!

[@hampfi747]

The production of the carbon monocoque would be nice to see

[@Hrvoje90]

Volio bi vidjeti video o kocnicama na C-Two. Vidio sam da imaju klasicne diskove i celjusti pa me zanima dali je sve klasika ili se tu skriva neka magija.

[@hugolopez429]

Great!!!!!!

[@justgregm7843]

Rather than compare the inverter to a carb, a possible better part is a transmission. The inverter controls the power from power source and regulates power delivery to the rest of the drive train. By the way, it looks the electric motor is a 3 phase device. Thank you for the informative video. Best of luck in your research.

[@normalman6686]

So you have magic smoke in Europe? We too have magic smoke in USA and also try and keep it hidden in the parts.

[@papytrad8915]

For the next episode: Carbon Fiber works (as the only thing that was not made by Rimac on the C-One were the rims, do you make them for the C-Two as of for the Koenigseeg are made of Carbon Fiber Prepeg)??? Nice info on the Inverters and motors, thanks!

[@freddieb1903]

Are you interested in making a Rimac Concept Two like the Rimac Concept S. The one with the big wing??

[@marinmiletic5780]

Can we get video about UX team or AI/machine learning team?

[@franknvett]

awesome

[@janivelic2316]

you guys should start your own university to help young engineers get in touch with real science and development of real products...awesome video!🙏🏻👍

[@mannab2975]

Mate, I have a HUGE respect for Mr. Nicola Tesla. Done a lot of research and watch so much videos on his work. He got totally ripped off by some people, yet he stayed humble and content. Nicola Tesla was the greatest ever genius to invent so many things and patent so many others! It is terribly sad to witness ideas and patents being ripped away from him to be claimed by others!! What is your stance on this tragedy, being a fellow countrymen? You yourself are a genius in my eyes and congratulations on your achievements!!! You are a true ambassador for your beautiful country and the father of this technology, Mr. Tesla!! Great work you and your entire team!! Regards, Manny of South Africa!

[@thlee3]

what class of car is that at 2:05?! those look so badass

[@CrAzYDr1veR]

next we would like to see the e30 and ask if you would ever make engines to sell to people instead of only big manufacturers :)

[@flymeedrone6350]

Can't wait to see this beast versus Tesla Roadster 2!

[@ZegaracRobert]

Ha nice Tenma PSU-s at first i thought it was Korad, but in later shots, i realized it is called Tenma now, looks like new branding job, i have early Korad ones, really nice PSU's for the money.