MAHLE, a leader in automotive innovation, showcased cutting-edge advancements at IAA Transportation in Hanover, aiming to revolutionize the commercial vehicle sector with sustainable solutions. As global road transport is projected to expand by over 40% by 2030, the group is focusing on carbon-neutral mobility to drive the future of transportation.
The highlight of MAHLE’s presentation was a fully integrated system for fuel cell trucks, combining fuel cell peripherals, thermal management, and a heavy-duty electric axle. Key to this innovation is the bionic high-performance fan, inspired by owl feathers, which halves sound pressure during full load or charging, solving one of the sector’s key challenges—noise reduction.
Arnd Franz, Chairman and CEO, underscored MAHLE’s pivotal role in transforming the transport industry. “We are committed to technological diversity with a view to decarbonizing the transportation sector, with its wide range of requirements, as rapidly as possible.
MAHLE offers the technologies needed,” said Franz. The company’s solutions include components for both battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles, while internal combustion engines are being adapted for hydrogen and other renewable fuels.
Franz noted the substantial growth potential within the electric commercial vehicle sector. MAHLE components, already integral to all available electrified trucks, account for twice the volume in battery-electric vehicles compared to conventional trucks.
This figure is set to double again with fuel cell trucks, demonstrating the increasing demand for sustainable technologies. Commercial vehicles now make up around 20% of MAHLE’s OEM business, with that figure rising steadily.
Among the innovations was a new evaporative cooling system that boosts thermal management performance in electric and fuel cell vehicles. By utilizing evaporating water, the system delivers up to 50 kW more cooling power without requiring additional space, improving efficiency and enabling smaller fans and more propulsion power.
MAHLE also revealed its SCT electric motor, a game-changer for heavy-duty transport, offering 480 kW continuous output and 92% efficiency. The motor’s power allows a 35-tonne fuel cell truck to navigate challenging routes 10% faster than diesel alternatives, showcasing the superior capabilities of electric drivetrains.
With over 120 international brands relying on MAHLE’s expertise across both on-highway and off-highway segments, the company’s influence continues to grow. These innovations, designed for large-scale production.
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