Valeo enters electric bus market with new e-compressor
Valeo states that it has developed the EDC-120 electric compressor in such a way that it meets the requirements of electric buses “in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.” E-compressors are typically used in electric vehicles as part of thermal management. The French supplier is yet to share further details, but merely emphasises that the electric compressor is based on Valeo’s established portfolio of electrification solutions, including motors, inverters, DC/DC converters, and heat pumps.
While Valeo has primarily been active in the market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, the introduction of the EDC-120 marks a shift toward heavy commercial vehicles. According to the company, the range just mentioned will also be “further developed specifically for use in electric buses” in the future. It is also certain that the new electric compressor will roll off the production line in China from 2026, as Valeo says that the introduction of electric buses is most advanced there.
Claudine Rochette, Valeo Power Division Strategy & Communication VP, emphasises: “At Valeo, we are leading the electrification of the automotive market. With the launch of the compact and powerful EDC-120 electric compressor, Valeo drives into the electric bus market. This segment is expected to continue growing worldwide, and Valeo’s ambitions do not stop at the electric compressor: we already have a wide portfolio of products for electric cars and light commercial vehicles that will be adapted for use in buses.”
To recap: In 2024, Valeo restructured its business divisions. The French supplier merged its powertrain and thermal management units, and the newly created entity has since been called Valeo Power. At the time, the company justified the merger by stating that the rise of electromobility was essentially based on the two areas of powertrain and thermal management systems and that Valeo Power would therefore gradually replace the previous Valeo Thermal Systems and Valeo Powertrain Systems divisions. In addition, Valeo planned a leaner organizational structure for the new unit in order to make it more competitive.
Valeo is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and employs around 106,100 people in 28 countries. Valeo will be exhibiting at Busworld in Brussels (October 4–9) in Hall 7, Stand 785B.
This article was originally published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition
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