The main objective of CASTOR is to integrate an innovative distributed propulsion system on fully electrical vehicles. Future electrical propulsion concepts demand more efficiency and less complexity with great functionality, high robustness and light weight and need to run in a wide ambient temperature range.CASTOR is aimed at:•Energy saving of 10 - 20% in respect to present propulsion systems•Cost reduction of about 25% (TBD) respect to present propulsion systems•Increasing the safety due to traction properties and improved integrability into drive applications•Mileage improvement of 15 -20% due to higher efficiency and less weightHow these goals will be achieved:•Advancements in efficiency and safety by implementing a multi propulsion power train enabling novel driving functionalities based on the holistic understanding of propulsion and related energy conversion needs.•Integration of the energy storage with the propulsion unit advancing the current state-of-the-art.•Novel conversion topologies like direct power conversion and battery to motor phase alignments reducing the amount of active switching elements•Application of high efficiency control structures and modules in automotive technology ensuring robustness, reliability, drastically reduced maintenance and architectural simplicity•Distribution and delocalization of distributed propulsion systems in order to minimize energy consumption assuring the maximum safety of the vehicle•Development of smart electric system controls in order to improve propulsion and energy management and create an intelligent network on-board vehicle•Simplification of production chain for distributed propulsion systems through a drastic simplification of system architecture•The research need is not only based on the integration of the component functionalities but also considering a holistic approach for the thermal management especially related to the restricted operation temp. of Li-Ion batteries.