Global OEM selects Eaton PDUs for new e-vehicle platform

Eaton announced its eMobility business has secured a contract to supply power distribution units (PDUs) and Bussmann series fuses to a global vehicle manufacturer for use in a new battery electric (BEV) light-duty commercial vehicle. No financial details were provided.

Eaton’s eMobility business will supply power distribution units (PDUs) and Bussmann series fuses to a global vehicle manufacturer for use in a new battery electric (BEV) light-duty commercial vehicle.

PDUs, also known as junction boxes or fuse boxes, are used to connect the main battery power to the rest of the vehicle. While distributing power through the vehicle, the PDUs also deliver a safety function by providing circuit protection.

Eaton said its eMobility business earned the supply agreement due to the unique features it was able to offer over competitors, including the complete integration of the Bussmann series fuses into the PDUs for protection of four auxiliary circuits.

“Eaton’s extensive experience and application of fuse and circuit protection technology allowed for PDU integration at levels others could not match,” said Kevin Calzada, global product strategy manager, Power Distribution and Protection, Eaton’s eMobility business. “Eaton was able to secure this program through technical agility in the PDU feature design and assuring high reliability in the system.”

The design of the Eaton PDU enables safe access to the box for repair and service.

Eaton said its eMobility team leveraged its extensive electrical expertise to design a functional and cost-effective product to meet the stringent circuit protection requirements of the vehicle. The PDUs also went through rigorous testing to ensure long-term reliability.

“Fuse durability simulations are unique in the industry and help OEMs reduce risk,” said Calzada. “If not specified correctly, auxiliary fuses can have issues with nuisance trips—but with our experts leading the fuse coordination, we were able to demonstrate high long-term reliability with our fuse sizing analysis.”

The OEM also required the PDUs to offer multiple levels of safety. The design of the Eaton PDU enables safe access to the box for repair and service. Additionally, Eaton units incorporate a test port that allows for an electrical meter to be used as a probe to contact miniature circuit boards that signal if the unit is still charged, preventing the technician from contacting high voltage.