BAE Systems and Eaton partner to develop electric drive solutions for trucks

BAE Systems and Eaton are expanding their partnership to include electric vehicle (EV) solutions for heavy-duty trucks. The partnership, which began in 2023, will combine BAE Systems’ electric motor and power electronics with Eaton’s HD 4-speed EV gearbox.

BAE Systems, a leader in electric propulsion, and Eaton, a worldwide power management firm, are expanding their partnership to include electric vehicle (EV) solutions for heavy-duty trucks. The solution provides original equipment manufacturers and commercial vehicle modifiers with a comprehensive, efficient, innovative, and adaptable EV system for a diverse spectrum of zero-emission platforms.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 to offer electric drive technology solutions for medium-duty trucks. The relationship has grown to encompass heavy-duty applications, providing manufacturers with a full line of electric drive systems for commercial trucks weighing more than 19 tonnes.

BAE Systems will subsequently combine its electric motor and suite of power-dense, advanced power electronics with Eaton’s HD 4-speed EV gearbox to provide a complete heavy-duty EV system. Along with the existing MD-4 solution, the integrated systems are intended for medium- and heavy-duty applications such as pick-up and delivery vehicles, school and transit buses, and material handling, garbage, and regional haul trucks.

“We are combining our expertise and proven technology to provide customers with a complete EV solution,” said Bob Lamanna, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems.

BAE Systems and Eaton have developed a comprehensive solution for the commercial truck market, combining advanced technology with Eaton’s MD and HD EV transmissions. BAE Systems’ power electronics are designed for reliability and adaptability, while Eaton’s transmissions improve range, grade capability, and acceleration for commercial electric vehicles.

“By expanding our scope to include more vehicle ratings, our robust system ensures high performance and reliability across a wider range of classes and sizes,” said Mark Kramer, business unit director, ePowertrain, Eaton’s Vehicle Group.

BAE Systems’ electric drive technology builds upon more than 25 years of research to power low- and zero-emission platforms on land and at sea, such as battery electric, fuel cell, and hybrid electric vehicles. The firm has over 16,000 propulsion systems in transit buses, boats, military, and industrial vehicles around the world, with over five billion miles of proven performance.

Its electric propulsion technology is developed, manufactured, and serviced at its facilities in Endicott, New York, Rochester, U.K, and Guaymas, Mexico.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heavy-industry-manufacturing-latest-news/