Schaeffler to offer utility vehicle electric drives
The automotive supplier Schaeffler has announced its entry into the electrification of commercial vehicles. To this end, the company has developed a modular system called E-Drive, which is intended to offer customers cost-effective, tailor-made solutions.
Schaeffler describes the recently announced entry into the electrification of commercial vehicles as the “next logical step”. With individual show projects such as the “Bio-Hybrid” or the autonomous “Mover” mobility platform, the automotive supplier has already left the classic car field. With the new “Heavy Duty” offers, the company wants to offer solutions “that go far beyond the existing product portfolio in the areas of engine, transmission and chassis”.
According to the press release, the core of the product is a specially developed modular system. The E-Drive includes electric motor, software and power electronics. Customers are to receive tailor-made drives with various variants of these components. Schaeffler is particularly proud of the power electronics: they are so modular that they enable a “solution adapted to the installation space for almost every requirement”.
“We are bundling and expanding our competencies with new activities in the commercial vehicle sector,” says Matthias Zink, member of Schaeffler’s Board of Management for Automotive OEM. The German company is certain that “our innovative products for hybridisation and electrification of the commercial vehicle powertrain can support our customers in reaching the ambitious emission limits”.
However, Schaeffler is not alone with a modular electrical system for commercial vehicles: Since 2016, ZF has been offering a customisable electric axle for trucks. Siemens is also active in the commercial vehicle sector. Bosch is working on a new electric drive for light commercial vehicles and presented an electric axle for truck trailers at the IAA 2018.
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