Mahle says it has secured numerous series orders for its electric A/C compressor in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors from the technology group from Stuttgart with an order volume of approximately 1.4 billion euros. Mahle recently introduced what it describes as “the most powerful e-compressor currently available on the market” with a peak power of 18 kW.
E-compressors are the heart of thermal management in electric vehicles. The key component is important for the temperature control of the e-drive and thus crucial for the service life, charging speed and cruising range of the battery. In addition, it ensures pleasant passenger comfort.
Mahle currently offers its high-voltage compressor in voltage ranges up to 900 volts. Its compact design means that it can be used in all vehicle classes, from passenger cars to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Mahle says. The extremely small installation space requirements are made possible by the patented refrigerant cooling of the compressor motor and electronics.
One of the biggest challenges with electric battery-powered vehicles is also cabin acoustics. Here, passengers find the smallest vibrations and the slightest noise developments disturbing. The noise-optimized high-voltage compressor from Mahle effectively causes just the slightest vibrations, the company says.
In addition to e-compressors for e-mobility, Mahle also develops and produces electric actuators, auxiliary components, engine accessories, auxiliary aggregates, the electronics and software, and the entire thermal management system. Between 2022 and 2026, more than 20 electrified vehicle platforms from passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers will be launched on the market that rely on Mahle technology and products, the company says. Mahle adds it already generates over 60% of its sales independently of the passenger car combustion engine. This should increase to 75% by 2030, the company says.
