Global OEM selects Eaton PDUs for new e-vehicle platform

By Mike Brezonick13 April 2021

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 eMobility power distribution unit 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.”

Eaton PDU 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.

NEWSLETTER
Delivered directly to your inbox, New Power Progress newsletter features the pick of the breaking news stories, product launches, show reports and more from KHL's world-class editorial team.



CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Alister Williams VP Sales Tel: +1 843 637 4127 E-mail: alister.williams@khl.com
Julian Buckley
Julian Buckley Editor Tel: +44 771 009 6684 E-mail: julian.buckley@khl.com
CONNECT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Latest News
Custom Truck One Source develops its own ePTO
Electric PTO marketed under the Load King banner is designed to power hydraulic applications
Diesel Progress Summit 2023 Award winners announced
The nine award presentations followed a successful summit event
Cummins highlights hydrogen at DP Summit, Utility Expo
Company will discuss H2 technology at the conference and display it in its booth at the expo