Supplier Mahle advocates for regulatory technological openness
In a bid to accelerate decarbonization in the automotive industry, German auto supplier MAHLE is taking a technology-neutral approach, focusing on electric powertrains, hybrid systems, advanced range extenders, and internal combustion engines compatible with renewable fuels.
MAHLE's CEO, Arnd Franz, emphasizes the high decarbonization potential of renewable fuels, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, which he believes are not yet fully exploited. The company advocates for a significant increase in the share of renewable fuels in road transport, aiming to reach 30% by 2030 to meet climate targets.
One of MAHLE's recent innovations is a thermal management module designed to increase system efficiency and vehicle range per battery charge in electric vehicles. The module, which integrates a highly efficient heat pump, reduces space, development effort, and costs, and achieves up to 20 percent more range compared to a system with E-heaters.
MAHLE is also presenting a new range extender system at the IAA Mobility in Munich in September. The system, with a rated power of 85 kW, consists of a high-voltage generator driven by a compact internal combustion engine with an efficiency of over 42 percent. Depending on the vehicle and battery size, ranges of up to 1,350 kilometers according to WLTP standards can be achieved with the new range extender system.
In Europe, MAHLE is advocating for policy adjustments to recognize climate-neutral internal combustion engines running on renewable fuels. This call comes as the company faces a crucial decision regarding CO2 regulation, with Franz urging for an overhaul of the regulation in Europe not to be delayed. Mahle is forced to review all expansion and replacement investments "around the sustainable combustion engine in Europe" if the EU does not move towards a ban on conventional engines.
China, on the other hand, is experiencing strong growth in the market for vehicles with range extenders. It is projected that the share of vehicles with range extenders in the global production of electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles will grow by 15% annually until 2030.
MAHLE's commitment to climate protection and the electrification of vehicles extends to hybrid vehicles and advanced range extenders, aimed at improving the range of electric vehicles and making the transition from conventional vehicles easier. The company has developed engine components such as pistons and valves for the technology toolbox of range extender systems.
The new thermal management module ensures proper temperature-control of every component of the drive and storage system, while maintaining a comfortable climate in the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the core of the 800-volt generator is a permanently excited electric machine with a fully integrated cooling concept, achieving high efficiency with peak efficiencies of over 97 percent.
MAHLE is also focusing more on efficiency improvements, not just in products but also in business processes, to strengthen competitiveness and resilience. The company's multi-technology strategy aims to accelerate decarbonization realistically, considering current market demands and regulatory environments.
References: [1] MAHLE. (n.d.). Press Release: MAHLE presents its technology for increasing electrification and reducing CO2 emissions at the IAA Mobility in Munich. Retrieved from https://www.mahle.com/en/news/press-releases/2021/mahle-presents-its-technology-for-increasing-electrification-and-reducing-co2-emissions-at-the-iaa-mobility-in-munich.html
[2] MAHLE. (n.d.). Press Release: MAHLE invests in long-term research into sustainable mobility. Retrieved from https://www.mahle.com/en/news/press-releases/2021/mahle-invests-in-long-term-research-into-sustainable-mobility.html
[3] MAHLE. (n.d.). Press Release: MAHLE advocates for a technology-neutral approach to climate protection. Retrieved from https://www.mahle.com/en/news/press-releases/2021/mahle-advocates-for-a-technology-neutral-approach-to-climate-protection.html
Technology plays a significant role in MAHLE's approach to decarbonization, as they focus on electric powertrains, hybrid systems, advanced range extenders, and internal combustion engines compatible with renewable fuels. The company's CEO, Arnd Franz, strongly advocates for an increase in the share of renewable fuels in road transport, and MAHLE has developed several technologies to achieve this, such as the thermal management module for electric vehicles and a high-efficiency range extender system.
