MAHLE is successfully establishing itself as a supplier for e-mobility. One bestseller for the company in this area is the electric A/C compressor, for which Mahle has already secured numerous series orders in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The total order volume is approximately €1.4 billion. Most recently,... Read more →

Mazda Motor Corporation is planning to complete the electrification of all vehicle models by 2030 and is currently working together with various partner companies on a range of electrification-related research projects that are also designed to stimulate the local economy and contribute to the development of local industry and innovation.... Read more →

ZF is presenting new electric drives for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This latest generation of e-drives advances power density and energy efficiency due to numerous innovations at both the component and system level. These include the compact design of the drives, power electronics, and a resource-saving use of... Read more →

The Nikkei reports that Japan-based motor maker Nidec is planning to invest an estimated ¥100 billion (US$715 million) to build an e-axle plant in Mexico. The company is currently producing e-axles in China and Europe but will start making them in North America as well ahead of an expected surge... Read more →

General Motors plans to invest $45 million at its Bedford, Indiana aluminum die casting foundry. This investment will be used to expand the facility’s production capacity of EV drive unit castings to support the anticipated strong demand for the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV full-size pickups. The capacity... Read more →

Contemporary Amperex Technology Company (CATL) and VinFast Trading & Manufacturing Joint Stock Company (VinFast) announced a Memorandum of Understanding to expand collaboration in areas including CIIC (CATL integrated intelligent chassis) skateboard chassis products. According to the agreement, CATL and VinFast intend to explore various forms of cooperation on CIIC skateboard... Read more →

Hitachi Astemo has developed a prototype of an anti-jerk control that improves ride comfort by reducing the back-and-forth jerk that can occur when the vehicle stops, and a motor torque control (motor ABS (anti-lock braking system)) that improves electricity consumption, driving stability and a sense of security by maintaining appropriate... Read more →

NXP Semiconductors has introduced the OrangeBox automotive-grade development platform, which integrates a wide variety of NXP wireless technologies, from broadcast radio, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, to secure car access with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and 802.11p-based V2X. The OrangeBox is a single, security enhanced, modular development platform... Read more →

FPT Industrial, the global powertrain brand of Iveco Group, inaugurated the new Turin (Italy) ePowertrain plant, a manufacturing site fully dedicated to the production of the electric powertrain range and Iveco Group’s first completely carbon-neutral plant. Covering a total area of 15,000 sq meters, the plant generates its own energy... Read more →

BAE Systems and Supernal will partner to design and develop the flight control computer for Supernal’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle. In support of Supernal—an advanced air mobility company from Hyundai Motor Group (earlier post)—BAE Systems will help define the architecture of a lightweight, fly-by-wire system for its... Read more →

ZF signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China-based NIO for the development of steer-by-wire (SbW) products and other fields. Both companies have also agreed to establish an instant information sharing mechanism to deepen communication and conduct regular technical exchanges to jointly engage in industry-leading processes and quality standards. Meanwhile, ZF... Read more →

DSM Engineering Materials has partnered with Renault to create an industry-first lightweight solution for hybrid vehicle fuel tanks. By using Akulon Fuel Lock, DSM’s high-performance low-carbon-footprint PA6 (polyamide 6) material, the fuel tanks can be produced with a blow molding monolayer construction that significantly reduces weight and cost without compromising... Read more →

Technical plastics such as polyamide 6 offer numerous benefits for the design of battery enclosures for electric vehicles in terms of sustainability, manufacturing costs, weight savings and economical functional integration, for example. However, there have been doubts as to whether these large and complex components are also able to meet... Read more →

ZF, addressing the demand for an electrified pickup truck solution, has created the eBeam Axle, a drop-in, electrified axle that allows automakers to transform their current internal combustion engine (ICE) powered trucks into battery-electric vehicles. The eBeam’s modular solution provides 400V and 800V architectures offering flexibility for both OEMs and... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies has recently won several orders worth more than €2 billion for its Battery Management Systems (BMS). One of Vitesco Technologies’ significant contracts will deliver already a wireless communication version of the battery control units for 400V and 800V BEV architecture. This particular solution reduces the amount of cabling... Read more →

At its Dingolfing plant, the BMW Group is implementing a modular production system for chassis components to ensure even more flexibility in the production of different vehicle variants—whether all-electric, hybrid or classic combustion engine, whether all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. This also has advantages for the environment. In the component... Read more →

Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. has received electric axle (e-Axle) orders for mid-size and large-size battery-electric vehicles from Honda Motor Co., Ltd., slated for a global rollout in 2026. Hitachi Astemo will deliver a high-performance, integrated drive unit for Honda, with the e-Axle system combining a highly efficient, silicon carbide (SiC) inverter;... Read more →

​​​ An investigation into a California crash that killed nine—including seven children—has led the National Transportation Safety Board to call for alcohol detection systems to be included in all new vehicles, according to new recommendations released Tuesday. The crash, on New Year’s Day 2021 in Avenal, California, was caused by... Read more →

Allison Transmission announced the new eGen Power 130S, the latest product to be introduced to the company’s eGen Power family of fully electric axles, this week at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany. The new Allison eGen Power 130S was designed specifically to support the heavier 13-ton gross axle weight rating,... Read more →

Volvo Trucks unveiled a completely new, fully electric rear axle at the IAA Transport show in Hannover, Germany. The new e-axle integrates the electric motors and the transmission into the rear axle, thereby freeing up space for more batteries. More batteries mean longer range, which creates opportunities for long distance... Read more →

Bosch is starting volume production of a new drive unit consisting of an electric motor and an integrated inverter for light commercial vehicles. The inverter controls the electric motor and provides the connection to the high-voltage battery. Compared to its predecessors, the new unit provides even higher power and torque... Read more →

For the first time since finalizing the acquisition of Meritor last month (earlier post), Cummins will showcase Meritor’s 17Xe ePowertrain assembled with a Cummins battery system during the IAA Transportation tradeshow in Hannover, Germany. The 17Xe is designed for heavy-duty trucks in the 4x2 and 6x2 segment, with capacity to... Read more →

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division presented its latest eMobility technologies ahead of IAA Transportation 2022. These include ZF’s new CeTrax 2 electric central drive— an integrated, modular e-driveline system for heavy-duty commercial vehicles—and an advanced new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for trucks, coaches and city buses. The EPS... Read more →

At the upcoming IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover, Germany, MAHLE will premiere its new SCT electric motor (Superior Continuous Torque), which provides extremely high continuous power and is therefore especially suited to commercial vehicles. (Earlier post.) In addition, MAHLE is presenting its newest systems solutions for battery electric drives,... Read more →

Mercedes‑Benz Vans, the Österreichische Post and MANN+HUMMEL have launched a pilot project to reduce fine dust pollution and to gain comprehensive insights into effectiveness, weather influences and durability in real-life operation. For this purpose, two eSprinter series production vehicles of the Österreichische Post were equipped with optimized fine dust filters... Read more →

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has entered into a license agreement with Israel-based Silentium for automotive Active Road Noise Cancellation (ARNC). Silentium’s Quiet Bubble software technology will be incorporated into one of AKM’s audio voice processors for distribution worldwide. Sample shipment is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022. The electrification... Read more →

GKN Automotive has developed a new test rig capable of handling the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The rig, installed at GKN Automotive’s Offenbach facility, can handle the extreme dynamics and higher torque of electrified powertrains, which make conventional load test rigs unsuitable for driveline parts of the latest generation,... Read more →

At Prawaas 3.0 in Hyderabad (India) earlier this month, Eberspaecher presented its new all-electric air-conditioning system AC135 AE, especially developed for hybrid and battery-electric driven buses in the Asia-Pacific region. Market forecasts show that by 2030, 40% of the bus fleet in India will consist of BEVs. In this context,... Read more →

Based on new business awards and actions announced to date, BorgWarner believes it is already on track to achieve approximately $3.7 billion of electric vehicle revenue by 2025. The company now expects its 2022 electric vehicle revenue to grow to approximately $850 million—more than double what it was in 2021.... Read more →

Drive systems supplier GKN Automotive has reached a major milestone with more than two million electrified vehicles using its eDrive technology on the road globally. Rising demand for electric vehicles has enabled GKN Automotive to increase the range and volume of its products to its existing customers, which make up... Read more →

LightMAT has announced its annual funding opportunity for 2022 for the automotive industry to leverage technical assistance from US Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories. LightMAT is seeking proposals that identify key technical challenges limiting the use of lightweight materials that can further improve the energy efficiency of conventional and... Read more →

During an annual global technology event, ZF presented its advanced steer-by-wire technology for the front axle and announced that this technology will be launched with industrial scale by a major global automaker within the next year. ZF has procured additional customer contracts in all major regions for its steer-by-wire systems... Read more →

The all-new Austral premières the third generation of Renault’s 4-wheel drive system: the 4CONTROL Advanced. Renault is introducing 4-wheel steering technology in the new CMF-CD platform. Thanks to electronic control of the rear wheel steering, it is now possible to modify the rear suspension to offer the best performance in... Read more →

NXP Semiconductors signed a memorandum of understanding with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) jointly to develop platforms for a new generation of smart connected vehicles. Hon Hai (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and a leading technology solution provider, will leverage NXP’s portfolio of automotive technologies and its longstanding expertise... Read more →

Sensata Technologies has developed a new fly-by-wire inceptor (sidesticks or centersticks used to direct and maneuver aircraft) for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and has provided prototypes to several advanced air mobility manufacturers. A passive inceptor is a cockpit control device through which pilot inputs are collected and... Read more →

Westport Fuel Systems Inc. has been awarded a program to develop and supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems for a number of vehicle applications for a global original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The deal is forecasted to provide €38 million in revenue through the end of 2025, with production expected to... Read more →

A new high-volume manufacturing facility will deliver products developed for the collaborative e-MOTIF project (electric MOTor, Inverter, Flywheel). Utilizing the manufacturing capability of Shield Engineering Group, the project will employ EMPEL’s e-Motor and PUNCH Flybrid’s “F-Boost” Flywheel Energy Storage System. The manufacturing facility will enable EMPEL’s electric motor and inverter... Read more →

Memory solutions company Micron has received the first International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) D certification of memory for its low-power double data rate 5 (LPDDR5) DRAM, which is based on its first-to-market 1α (1-alpha) process node. With next-generation advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) applications requiring... Read more →

Schaeffler is introducing 4in1 electric axle drives. Until now, up to three drive components were assembled in one compact unit. With the 4in1 electric axle, Schaeffler is now going one step further by integrating the thermal management system as well as the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission into the... Read more →

FEV, a leading service provider in vehicle and propulsion system development and testing, has evaluated the performance of the Transient Plasma Systems Inc. (TPS) nanosecond pulsed power ignition system (earlier post) on the current Toyota 2.5-liter, direct and port fueled injection, inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine commonly used in the Camry... Read more →

ZF has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to equip its electric trucks with eWorX, ZF’s electrified Power Take-Off (PTO) system. The eWorX all-in-one solution offers vehicle body manufacturers a known mechanical interface to drive work equipment. ZF’s eWorX system features a control unit, power electronics and electric motor with optional... Read more →

Power management company Eaton’s eMobility business has introduced a battery disconnect unit (BDU) that can be combined with upgraded Breaktor circuit protection technology to provide circuit protection in electrified vehicles (EVs) while reducing overall complexity and cost. When paired with the Breaktor circuit protection technology, which combines current switching and... Read more →

Nidec Corporation will build a flagship factory to produce its E-Axle traction motor system in the city of Pinghu, Zhejiang Province in China. The new factory to be built will be Nidec’s fifth traction motor-related production site, and the fourth E-Axle assembly plant, in China. Construction is planned to start... Read more →

Power management company Eaton introduced a family of 48-volt DC-DC converters for diesel-powered commercial vehicles that can be used to power accessories such as antilock brakes and lighting. Unlike competitive offerings, Eaton’s DC-DC converters are operational in ambient temperatures up to 85 ˚C and boast 97% design efficiency. DC-DC converters... Read more →

EAVX, a subsidiary of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO), and REE Automotive, an automotive technology leader and provider of electric vehicle platforms, announced that the companies’ new fully electric walk-in van (WIV) prototype will begin customer evaluation this summer. The Class 5 vehicle marks the debut of the EAVX body... Read more →

Modine Manufacturing Company, a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions, announced the general availability of its suite of EVantage Thermal Management Systems for commercial EV chassis. Leveraging more than 100 years of thermal expertise, Modine, which put radiator systems in the Model T, produces complete EV thermal... Read more →

With the introduction of Ultramid A3U44G6 DC OR (PA66 - GF30 FR), BASF is expanding its portfolio of flame-retardant engineering plastics for the eMobility market. In the case of already proven Ultradur (PBT) products, color stability can be largely guaranteed, especially in orange (RAL 2003) which is in high demand... Read more →

Qorvo, a provider of innovative RF solutions, announced a next-generation series of 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) Field Effect Transistors (FETs) with industry-leading figures of merit in on-resistance. The new UF4C/SC series of 1200V Gen 4 SiC FETs are suited for mainstream 800V bus architectures in onboard chargers for electric vehicles,... Read more →

Celeroton has launched its new high-speed turbo compressor system CT-2000 with converter CC-2000 for fuel cell systems. The new system has been specially developed to meet automotive requirements. Developed for fuel cell air supply with a net output of 30 to 60 kW, the new turbo compressor system offers an... Read more →

Fontaine Modification is expanding its electrification integration services to include refrigerated trailers through a strategic alliance with electric transport refrigeration unit (eTRU) innovator eNow, Inc. Fontaine will offer application engineering, integration, and installation of eNow’s proprietary renewable Rayfrigeration eTRU technology on refrigerated trailers from all manufacturers. The system can be... Read more →