Abstract. Nowadays, advanced power electronics have efficiencies of more than 95 % and give enhanced possibilities of power conversion. Nevertheless, the efficiency of electric propulsion systems can be raised in the future, but the potential for efficiency increase in electric systems is limited. Ongoing advances in power electronics can support an improvement of control systems within automotive drive units. New developed or designed components enable systems that are more efficient as well as effective control strategies. In this paper, advantages and disadvantages of different configurations are specified, evaluated and discussed. Practical examples of electric converter systems are given explicitly and conclusions for the future are made.