The global push toward electrification is rewriting the future of transportation, but with every leap in technology comes the question of safety. For Siddhesh Pimpale, Lead Application Engineer and Engineering Project Manager, building trust in high-voltage electric systems has been as important as improving performance. His journey from designing circuits in India to leading advanced mobility projects in the United States highlights how innovation and safety must move hand in hand.
A patent with real-world impact
One of Pimpale’s standout contributions is his patent for a high-voltage bleeder circuit designed to safely discharge energy in electric vehicle traction inverters. In modern electric cars, voltages can reach 800 volts, storing dangerous levels of energy even after the system is switched off. His design combines active and passive discharge methods to bring that voltage down to safe levels within seconds.
This innovation reduces the risks faced by both passengers and technicians working on electric vehicles. For Pimpale, it isn’t just an engineering breakthrough-it’s about confidence. “People need to know these systems can be both powerful and inherently safe,” he has explained. “That trust is essential for widespread adoption.”
From hardware roots to system leadership
Pimpale’s focus on safety has roots in his early career. Starting as a hardware design engineer in India, he gained experience in power electronics, circuit robustness, and protection systems. Over time, his work expanded to full powertrain integration, where every design decision carried broader implications for vehicle safety, efficiency, and performance.
At Dana Incorporated, he now oversees design and validation of eAxle systems, combining motors, inverters, and gearboxes into compact, efficient, and reliable solutions. Safety features such as active discharge and fault management are built into the architecture from the start, ensuring systems are not only effective but also secure for real-world use.
Research that looks ahead
Alongside his industry projects, Pimpale continues to contribute to academic research. His work spans wide bandgap semiconductors, hydrogen fuel cells, and safe-state management systems using AUTOSAR frameworks. Each publication builds on the same principle that has defined his career: innovation must be tied to reliability and deployability.
By bridging research and practice, Pimpale has influenced how safety is embedded at both the component and system level. His published work on active short circuit and discharge mechanisms in multi-phase inverters shows his continued focus on protecting systems under critical failures.
Inspiring the next generation
Pimpale also views mentoring young engineers as part of his role. He emphasizes persistence and adaptability, reminding new talent that not every prototype works the first time and that setbacks are part of the process. “The ability to learn, adapt, and iterate is what defines growth,” he often notes.
Building safer roads to zero emissions
As the race to decarbonize transportation continues, Siddhesh Pimpale’s story stands out as a reminder that innovation cannot come at the cost of safety. His patent and broader body of work show how small design decisions can have a national impact, strengthening the foundations of clean mobility.
With engineers like Pimpale leading the charge, the next generation of vehicles promises not only to be cleaner and more efficient, but also safer and more trusted by the people who drive them.
