Eaton to supply converters for heavy-duty BEVs

Eaton announced its eMobility business has been awarded a contract to supply a 24 to 12 V dc-dc converter for use in a commercial heavy-duty battery electric vehicle (BEV) that will power accessories, such as antilock brakes and lighting. The BEV will be sold in the North American and China markets beginning later this year.

Eaton’s eMobilty business will supply dc-dc converters for a new heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to be sold in North America and China.

“Dc-dc converters are an essential part of our eMobility product portfolio and are used in a variety of vehicle applications,” said Pratik Trivedi, general manager, Eaton’s eMobility business. “Like traditional vehicles, electrified vehicles (EVs) have low-voltage loads on board-like infotainment systems, GPS and safety devices. So efficiently converting power from high to low is key, but it is also important to have a secondary converter to provide power to the traditional 12 V loads. We’re delighted to bring our proven power-conversion technology to this new, innovative electric-truck platform.”

Eaton’s specialty converter, also known as a battery equalizer, works in conjunction with another converter that takes power from the BEV’s 600 V system and steps it down to 24 V. The eMobility unit then takes it down to 12 V for use in low-voltage systems and to power a backup 12 V battery in case of a fault in the main power supply. Eaton said that having this equalizer function – the 12 V battery and a split 24 V battery system – ensures essential safety equipment can operate on 12 V in the event of a power failure. That capability makes the converter unique among product offerings in this space, the company said.

Eaton’s dc-dc converter also includes noise reduction and interference rejection so there is no interference between the unit and vehicle electronics.

“The converter is rugged and robust, providing a seal against environmental factors, such as salt spray and water, and has high vibration resiliency,” said Trivedi. “It is an ideal solution for manufacturers that require a dependable method to power traditional vehicle components in high-power battery electric vehicles.”

Eaton’s eMobility business was formed by combining products, expertise and global manufacturing capabilities from Eaton’s Electrical and Vehicle Groups. The eMobility product portfolio includes power electronics, power distribution and protection technology and power system electrification solutions for commercial vehicle, off-highway and passenger car applications.