Hitachi Automotive Systems announced Audi is using its electric vehicle (EV) inverter in the e-tron SUV which went on sale in Europe last March.

It is customary for supplier deals such as this not to be announced until some months after vehicle launch.

Hitachi said its inverter was specifically developed and designed for EVs and provides high power density output that helps to maximise electric motor performance.

The inverter has a compact, high efficiency power module with double sided cooling and a built in insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).

Power density output has increased 160% compared to the previous generation.

The e-tron is a full-sized SUV equipped with dual electric motors and an electronic all wheel drive system and the Hitachi inverter supports the electric powertrain.

"Hitachi Automotive Systems is committed to assisting the greater adoption of electric vehicles by automotive manufacturers," the supplier said.

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