Phoenix Drives inverter used in MAN Metropolis series-hybrid concept refuse truck

18 October 2012

The Phoenix Drives PD550-dual inverter is the main power electronics module used in the MAN Metropolis, a plug-in hybrid concept truck that will be on display at the eCarTec International Fair for Electric- and Hybrid-Mobility held 23-25 October 2012 in Munich. (Earlier post.)

The PD550-dual, manufactured by Phoenix International, a John Deere company, is suited for diesel electric series architectures. The ruggedized packaging has the durability to withstand the environments of construction and mining and is a good fit for on-highway truck use. In order to test the practicality and the economic viability of the vehicle concept, MAN chose one of the toughest types of operation for a heavy truck in an urban environment. The Metropolis will undergo a two-year field test as a refuse collection vehicle for the international environmental-services provider, SUEZ Environnement, in the Antwerp-Brussels region starting at the end of the year.

MAN, in cooperation with Benteler Engineering Services, researched the technical feasibility of the vehicle concept that will be shown at eCarTec. The Metropolis is an electrically-powered truck based on an MAN TGS 6x2-4. Energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery; a range-extender makes it independent.

Founded in 1987, Phoenix International designs and manufactures custom electronics engineered to withstand severe temperatures, humidity, vibration and other harsh conditions. Phoenix provides electronics worldwide for John Deere’s agricultural, construction, forestry, and power systems products as well as for original equipment manufacturers in other industries ranging from material handling to on-highway trucking