Propulsion Engineering

Propulsion Engineering from One Source by Magna Powertrain Engineering Center Steyr

We deliver expert solutions for advanced propulsion systems across automotive, industrial, and e-mobility sectors. Our services include concept development, design optimization, simulation, and testing for electric, combustion and hybrid powertrains.

With a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and performance, we help you turn ideas into reality and drive the future of mobility.

Function Development & Integration

Functional system integration

  • eDrive / eAxle
  • HV Battery
  • Fuel cell systems
  • H2 storage system
  • Engine incl. auxiliaries and gearbox
  • Boardnet and communication

Powertrain systems & drivability

  • ePropulsion calibration
  • Powertrain performance optimization
  • Engine calibration
  • H2 system functions

HV system & energy storage

  • Charging functions
  • Safety functions
  • HV battery control
  • Hydrogen storage system functions
  • Electrical auxiliaries
Technician performing system integration on electronic equipment with orange power cables
Engineers working on electric vehicle drivetrain and components under the chassis

Thermal & Energy Management

Development and integration of thermal management and HVAC systems with a focus on fast development, complexity reduction and cost optimization.

  • Cooling system development for BEV, HEV, H2 and ICE
  • Thermal simulations 1D/3D
  • HVAC system & cabin thermal comfort development
  • Thermal & energy management development
  • Control logic development and optimization
  • Vehicle integration and CAD
  • Thermal system validation
Car undergoing thermal and energy management testing in a laboratory wind tunnel
Yellow truck with airflow visualization for thermal and energy management testing

Engine

We support our customers from base calibration to full homologation, ensuring optimal performance and compliance.
  • Base calibration - Tuning for engine and powertrain systems
  • Emission optimization - Meeting global standards for clean performance.
  • Driveability testing & validation - Ensuring reliability under real-world conditions.
  • Homologation support - Certification readiness for different applications.

H2 Systems

Delivering engineering solutions for hydrogen propulsion.
  • Delivering engineering solutions for hydrogen propulsion
  • Fuel Cell Systems Integration
  • H2 Storage Systems development
  • HSS control logic development and optimization
  • H2 ICE Integration
Technician calibrating and testing an engine in a laboratory setup
Hydrogen fuel cell system with orange high-voltage cables in a test setup

Advanced Mobility Functions / ADAS

  • Sensor Integration & Processing: Integration and processing of data from a wide range of sensors (cameras, lidars, radars, GPS, etc.) for accurate system behavior.
  • Geospatial Technologies & Mapping: Integration of advanced mapping and geospatial analysis capabilities.
  • 3D Algorithms & Visualization: Advanced 3D modeling and visualization.
Driver using a laptop for vehicle testing inside a BMW car
Blue truck following a white test vehicle on a road

Software & Boardnet

Software

Development of automotive-grade software, ensuring compliance with industry standards and robust process integration from concept to series production.
  • Embedded Systems & Real-Time Software: Development of reliable, real-time embedded software for various applications.
  • Software Development & DevOps: Adoption of DevOps practices (CI/CD, workflow automation, version control) for efficient, high-quality software delivery.
  • Programming Languages & Tools: Mastery of a broad range of programming languages and tools (Python, C/C++, Rust, Matlab/Simulink, CodeSys, etc.).
  • Tooling & Workflow Automation: Automation of software development workflows and toolchains to boost efficiency and quality.

Broadnet

Comprehensive Boardnet and Communication Solutions for Modern Architectures
  • Bus layout and control unit architecture: Defines the structure and connectivity of all electronic components.
  • Residual bus simulation: Enables testing and validation of communication without full hardware.
  • Communication protocols & networking: Implements robust protocols for seamless data exchange (CAN, DDS, MQTT, TCP/UDP, Automotive Ethernet).
  • Function and gateway development: Develops and integrates gateway modules for cross-domain communication.
  • Testing and validation: Ensures reliability and performance of the entire communication system.

Propulsion System Testing

Our state-of-the-art test facilities, HiL-systems and tool chains offer an effective way to calibrate and validate complete systems, ensuring performance targets, robustness and reliability.

Complete Testing Portfolio: Automotive to Industrial—Flexible Solutions Tailored to Your Needs

Each area covers specialized tests, from component and system validation to endurance, environmental, and functional testing—ensuring quality and reliability.

  • eDrive testing
  • Battery cell testing
  • Thermal- / AC-system test benches
  • High altitude and climate test bench
  • Engine test bench
  • Software in loop (SiL)
  • Hardware in loop (HiL)
  • Powertrain in loop (PiL)
  • Chassis dynamometer
  • On-site proving ground
Engine mounted on a test bench for propulsion system validation
Engineer testing an eDrive component on a laboratory test bench

Contact

Engineering Center Steyr GmbH & Co KG
Steyrer Straße 32
4300 St. Valentin
Austria

Office: +43 7435 501 0
Email: info.valentin.mpt@magna.com