Mahle to produce e-compressors in Tennessee
The e-compressors are used in EVs as part of thermal management and, according to the company, are “crucial for battery life, high charging speeds and driving range.” Mahle has not disclosed specific customers or planned volumes.
In November 2022, Mahle announced a billion-euro order for e-compressors and shared some technical details at the time. The company uses the same press image in the latest release, indicating a likely technical link. Mahle offers its high-voltage compressor with outputs of up to 18 kW, voltage ratings of up to 900 volts (also supporting 400-volt vehicles), and displacements of up to 57 cm³. Thanks to its compact design, it can be used across all vehicle classes, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. The small installation space is enabled by a patented refrigerant cooling system for both the compressor motor and electronics.
The expansion adds a new production line for e-compressors in Morristown, creating around 50 new jobs and raising the site’s headcount to nearly 800. Mahle has been active in the US since 1975, with headquarters in Michigan and around 5,000 employees at 15 locations nationwide. The Morristown plant was established in 1978 as Mahle’s first newly built production site in North America.
Today, the plant manufactures steel pistons for all major US commercial and heavy-duty vehicles as well as high-performance aluminium pistons for motorsport. “Starting the e-compressor production in Morristown, Tennessee, marks an important milestone for MAHLE as we further strengthen our footprint in the USA and our role as local employer,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of MAHLE. “This extension is a great example of successfully transforming a production plant formerly fully dedicated to internal combustion engines by launching electrification products for future mobility – a clear investment in the plant’s future.”
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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