What is an inverter and what role does it play in an EV?

The inverter converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motor during driving, and AC to DC during regenerative braking. It controls motor speed and torque by varying the frequency and voltage of the AC output using power electronics (IGBTs or SiC MOSFETs). The inverter is a critical component affecting efficiency, performance, and packaging. Modern inverters achieve over 95% efficiency.