Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg (MEPS), the joint venture between Marelli and Punch Motive International established in May 2021, has announced the award of its first contract with a major worldwide OEM (unnamed), for the production of e-axles. The e-axle will be developed, tested and manufactured by Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg, and the start of production is planned for 2024.
The JV company, which is majority owned by Marelli, develops and assembles integrated e-axle systems for BEVs (battery electric vehicles) or plug-in hybrid cars, for Europe and the Americas.
MEPS says the e-axle system will be compatible with functional safety requirements, such as ASIL–D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level D) and will be one of the most compact, efficient and high-performance solutions on the market. The e-axle has been designed to ensure optimal drivability for BEVs, through functions such as active torque vectoring.
Hannes Prenn, president of Marelli’s vehicle electrification division said, “This JV was created to address a gap in the EV portfolio of the Marelli Vehicle Electrification Division… The focus on e-axles for full electrification systems is a key element in the Marelli Vehicle Electrification strategy. Coupled with our established track record in electric powertrain and thermal management, it frames a comprehensive approach that enables the efficient control of the energy flow in vehicles of today and tomorrow.”
As the automotive market shifts toward e-mobility, Marelli is aiming to expand its role as a full system provider for vehicle electrification, including e-motors, inverters and software, and battery management solutions. Thermal management also plays a major role, as reducing power dissipation and optimising cooling are important for lifespan and efficiency gains.
