Mahle and Valeo cooperate on electric motor development
Based on a successful development collaboration between Valeo and a European vehicle manufacturer in this field, Valeo wants to tap into the upper segments of electric vehicles together with Mahle, according to a press release. To this end, the two companies are joining forces to jointly develop an innovative magnet-free e-axle for use in EVs with maximum outputs of 220 to 350 kW.
The two companies have set themselves an ambitious goal: They want nothing less than to “revolutionise performance and efficiency of magnet free electric motors.” The targeted performance data is known, but Mahle does not mention any specific efficiency targets in the announcement. However, it does state that “the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by more than 40% versus a permanent magnet electric motor of equivalent power.” In addition, the CO2 footprint will be reduced by 30 per cent compared to permanent magnet electric motors and the power density will be increased by 30 per cent compared to motors in the manufacturer’s current vehicles.
Work has already started in the background, with tests of the first prototypes scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024. A new cooling concept is also to be developed for the new EESM generation to achieve an “outstanding continuous to peak power ratio”, Mahle announced.
Among other things, Valeo will contribute its highly efficient inverters to the development cooperation, while the German supplier will provide its ‘Mahle Contactless Transmitter’ (MCT) technology for magnet-free rotors. “This cooperation with MAHLE is a perfect match. MAHLE develops the EESM rotor and their brushless excitation system. Based on our power electronics know-how, Valeo provides a dedicated control of this electric motor and brushless system embedded in our inverter,” said Xavier Dupont, CEO of Valeo Power Division. “This partnership allows Valeo to complete its EESM portfolio towards upper segment and is key to support the evolution of the automotive industry towards more innovative sustainable solutions.”
“In this project two front runners of electrification are joining forces. The new e-axle will benefit from MAHLE’s expertise in contactless transmitter technology. Together we will be setting a new benchmark in packaging and efficiency for EESM based e-axles and taking the next step for our customers towards future mobility,” said Martin Wellhoeffer, Member of the MAHLE Group Management Board.
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