The zero-emission powertrain sub-systems will be available separately or as optimized, fully integrated powertrains for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The full system will be integrated into a heavy goods vehicle as a unique zero-emission powertrain demonstrator.
The project is led by Arcola Energy, a U.K. developer and Tier 1 supplier of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. Arcola Energy will continue the development of its leading hydrogen and fuel cell powertrain integration capabilities with systems developed for bus and truck applications.
AVID and Eaton will collaborate to pair AVID’s power-dense EVO-brand electric motor with Eaton’s four-speed medium-duty electrified vehicle transmission to create an integrated motor drive for electric commercial vehicles with best-in-class efficiency and power density.
The collaboration is supported and partly funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which aims to develop a leading position for U.K. businesses. The project represents a unique partnership between established global Tier 1 suppliers and U.K. technology companies.
Ben Todd, CEO at Arcola Energy, said, "This project brings together a powerful combination of hydrogen, fuel cell, battery, electric machine and drivetrain capabilities from recognized leaders in their respective fields. The outcome will be a compelling offer to vehicle manufacturers – fast, low-risk, high-quality, cost-effective approaches to electrifying their fleets, whatever their fuelling preference – plugin, hybrid or hydrogen."
“We’re pleased to be able to adapt our innovative electrified vehicle transmission to AVID’s line of efficient motors to create an industry leading solution,” said Jeff Lowinger, president, eMobility, Eaton.
Photo: (L to R) Ryan Maughan, managing director at AVID Technology Group with Ben Todd, CEO of Arcola Energy and Andrew Hodgson, non-exec chairman at AVID Technology Group (Image: CREST PHOTOGRAPHY)
