Ireland headquartered intelligent power management company, Eaton Corporation has been capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization with its vast portfolio of diverse products in electrical, aerospace, hydraulic and vehicle sectors.
In its latest chat with Aishwarya, Kaushalya Gaonkar, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Vehicle Group and eMobility, Eaton mentions the current global trends in electric mobility and the impact of digitalization on the sector.
Being a part of Power Management Solutions for nearly a century, how will digitalization in the energy sector affect power management solutions for electric mobility?
The digitalization of India’s energy sector will significantly impact power management solutions for electric mobility. Digitalization is leading to the development of intelligent grids, enabling more efficient distribution of electricity and better management of demand and supply. One of the critical benefits of digitalization is that it allows for real-time monitoring of energy use and generation, which can help power management systems to respond more quickly to changes in demand. It is essential in electric mobility, where charging infrastructure must cope with sudden demand increases as more people switch to electric vehicles. Digitalization also opens up new possibilities for integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the grid. In addition, by using intelligent algorithms to manage the flow of electricity, power management systems can ensure that energy is generated and used in the most efficient way possible. Another important aspect of digitalization is the ability to collect and analyze data on energy usage patterns. It can help power management systems to predict demand and optimize the use of energy resources. For example, data analytics can identify the most popular charging times for electric vehicles and optimize charging schedules to minimize grid congestion. Overall, the digitalization of the energy sector in India is likely to have a transformative effect on power management solutions for electric mobility. By enabling more efficient and intelligent use of energy resources, digitalization will help drive electric mobility’s growth and support India’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Mention some of the key projects based on electric mobility Eaton is currently working on, and are there any key partnerships with auto OEMs on the card?
Eaton has strategically identified a few regions globally as the key focus markets in our eMobility journey, recognizing their high potential for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. To support our growth in eMobility, we have devised comprehensive manufacturing strategies and expansion plans. Through joint-development agreements and supplier partnerships, we are committed to meeting our customers’ evolving eMobility solution requirements. In addition, we have recently made strategic acquisitions to accelerate our growth and capitalize on electrification opportunities.
One notable acquisition was the purchase of Royal Power Solutions in early 2022 for $600 million. This U.S.-based company specializes in manufacturing high-precision electrical connectivity components used in electric vehicles, energy management, industrial applications, and mobility markets. This acquisition strengthens our portfolio and enhances our ability to provide advanced solutions to our customers.
In terms of manufacturing expansion for eMobility, Eaton is investing in Europe to bolster our design capabilities, technologies, and operations. We have established a state-of-the-art production facility for power electronics components in Montrottier, France, with plans to commence high-volume production by mid-2023. Furthermore, we have expanded our existing site in Tczew, Poland, to include electrified vehicle capabilities, catering to the demands of European and global customers.
Our Bonn, Germany site, which has long been recognized as an advanced electrical engineering design and testing facility for industrial controls, protection, and power distribution, is leveraging its expertise to develop breakthrough EV circuit protection solutions. By applying our proprietary Breaktor® circuit protection technology, we are setting new standards in the market.
Moreover, Eaton has established an office and laboratory facility in Karlsruhe, Germany, with multiple workstations and a dedicated laboratory. This facility enables us to conduct extensive research and development, supporting our ongoing innovation efforts in eMobility.
Through these strategic initiatives, Eaton is well-positioned to cater to the increasing demand for eMobility solutions and play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
In the recent Auto Shanghai event, Eaton showcased some breakthrough e-mobility solutions. Kindly shed some light on the products and how soon they are expected to enter the market.
Eaton offers an extensive portfolio to cater to the needs of our original equipment (OE) partners in their transition to eMobility. We showcased a wide range of products demonstrating our commitment to this sector during our recent participation at the Auto Shanghai event. Here are some of the essential products that were displayed at the event:
Power Distribution & Protection Portfolio: We have multiple systems and breakthrough products to intelligently measure and distribute power to various sources and provide exceptional, compact circuit protection.
- FLEX PDU: The high-voltage, intelligent FLEX PDU is the next-generation option for monitoring and managing all power distributed to power electronics and provides central protection for the electrical system in commercial vehicles.
- BDU: Featuring Breaktor® circuit protection technology, the BDU is designed to distribute power efficiently throughout the EV system. The BDU provides improved quality and simplified architecture by combining current switching and resettable bi-directional short-circuit protection with fast actuation (up to 900V).
- Breaktor®: Eaton patented technology, Breaktor® is integrated into Battery Disconnect Units (BDU), Power Distribution Units (PDU), and FLEX Power Distribution Units (FLEX PDU) for a complete power distribution and protection solution.
- EV Fuse: Available for 500–1,000V DC vehicle systems, 50 to 400 amps, Bussmann ® EV fuses provide high-performing DC protection of drive, auxiliary and battery systems.
Power Connection Products: High-Precision Connector Technologies, recently acquired by Eaton, Royal Power Solutions is recognized for its numerous industry-leading electrical components, including stamped battery and eyelet terminals for electrified and internal combustion engine vehicles. Demand for these innovative components is rapidly increasing among our global customers.
ePowertrain Solutions – Vehicle manufacturers face many challenges when developing an EV powertrain, such as optimizing efficiency, weight, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and dealing with packaging constraints. We help manufacturers meet these challenges by utilizing our many years of experience and in-house capabilities in designing, validating, and manufacturing high-precision, high-quality gearing, transmissions, and torque-control solutions.
- HD 4 Speed EV Transmission
- EV Drive Module Gearing
- ELocker
Considering major projects like green hydrogen and EVs being discussed in India, state your views on how they will transform India’s mobility ecosystem.
In India, the adoption rate of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is currently higher in the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and passenger vehicle segments. It can be attributed to various factors such as economic considerations, commuting patterns, government incentives/policies, and the local ecosystem. However, the heavy commercial vehicle segment has been slower in adopting electric vehicles, and it is projected that by 2030, EV adoption in this sector will remain in the single digits. To address this, India is witnessing key partnerships between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology providers exploring hydrogen fuel used for internal combustion engines (ICEs).
While ICEs are expected to dominate traditional automotive powertrains, incorporating hydrogen fuel can help mitigate emission challenges. Some key market drivers for hydrogen adoption include:
- Emission Reduction: Hydrogen ICE vehicles produce minimal to zero CO2 emissions, especially when using green or blue hydrogen. Additionally, they have significantly reduced NOX emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality.
- Extended Driving Range: Hydrogen ICE vehicles offer longer driving ranges than BEVs due to their ability to store more energy in the form of hydrogen. This vast range helps alleviate concerns related to range anxiety.
- Fast Refueling: Hydrogen refueling is relatively quick, taking only a few minutes, similar to refueling conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. It addresses one of the drawbacks of BEVs, which require longer charging times.
- Energy Storage and Grid Integration: Hydrogen can be crucial in energy storage and grid integration. Excess renewable energy generated from sources like solar and wind power can be utilized to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, making it a valuable tool in balancing energy supply and demand.
- Technological Integration: Transitioning to hydrogen-based vehicles involves minimal changes to the powertrain setup, with the main addition being a hydrogen tank. This ease of integration facilitates a smoother transition from traditional ICE vehicles to hydrogen-powered alternatives.
While hydrogen-based e-mobility projects offer several benefits, some challenges need to be addressed for their successful implementation. These challenges include infrastructure development, cost-effectiveness, scalability of hydrogen production, and ensuring a sustainable hydrogen supply chain. However, with the proper support and investments, hydrogen-based e-mobility can play a crucial role in India’s journey towards sustainable transportation and a low-carbon future.
Regarding digital services, do these services require the customer to go to the respective brands for assistance, or is there a support team at your end also?
The company’s Digital Service Partner offers industry-leading software to seamlessly transfer work between functions and support future digital enterprise capabilities. Additionally, Eaton has established an enterprise data strategy to automate data acquisition, accelerate data governance, deploy advanced data platforms, and establish data as a product, despite the challenges of managing data across such a large, complex, and diverse organization.
Kindly brief us about Eaton’s next ventures and plans regarding expansion.
Eaton’s e-mobility investment occurs globally, including R&D, inorganic growth, engineering support, and plant expansion. Investment in R&D is ongoing due to the constant innovation in e-mobility and energy transition. Eaton has a land bank and adequate reserves for resource acquisition. The investment will grow as functions expand in India, and the organization is prepared for capacity and scalability.