Electric steel is used heavily in the manufacturing of electric motors. The material is key to producing the electromagnetic field used to turn the rotor. Without the electromagnetic properties associated with this iron alloy, the performance of electric motors would be substantially compromised. Historically, motors used in commercial and industrial applications have represented a major customer base for electric steel suppliers, and motor vendors have resultingly had little difficultly ensuring prioritized supply lines. However, the share of business held by commercial and industrial electric motor vendors is being threatened by the automotive sector in the wake of electric vehicles.

Siemens Mobility is presenting its new digital business platform Siemens Xcelerator at InnoTrans 2022. Siemens Xcelerator is an open digital business platform with the ambition to create a powerful ecosystem of partners who can jointly accelerate digital transformation and sustainability in mobility at scale. By opening interfaces for all participants of the mobility ecosystem, Siemens Xcelerator helps connect the real with the digital worlds – a first-of-its-kind innovation in the rail industry.

This exclusive round-up article from PTE examines the latest news and product technology involving smart bearings, motors and drives. 

As vehicles become increasingly electrified, automated, and software controlled, ZF is at the forefront of developing and industrializing advanced chassis systems with the industry’s most comprehensive offering of by-wire technologies that no longer require a mechanical connection or system fluids. A primary example is ZF’s steer-by-wire solution. ZF revealed that it has been awarded significant volume contracts by multiple major car manufacturers that will launch in all major regions as of 2023. 

Voith is further expanding its expertise in the e-mobility sector for commercial vehicles. With the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) and the Plug and Drive H2 storage system, the technology group is presenting two concepts at IAA Transportation 2022 that promote an economical and sustainable mobility shift for heavy-duty trucks and buses. “Alternative, sustainable drives are defining the discourse of the present and the technologies of the future. Even today, the result is an unprecedented variety of drive solutions. We are fulfilling these customer demands with a portfolio geared towards alternative drives,” says Martin Wawra, executive vice president and CEO Voith Turbo Mobility.

ABB opened its new global innovation and training campus at the headquarters of B&R in Eggelsberg, Austria, its global center for machine and factory automation. The new campus will create up to 1,000 additional high-tech jobs and includes world-class research and development laboratories, as well as global training facilities for up to 4,000 people per year in collaboration with universities. ABB invested EUR 100 million in the expansion of the B&R headquarters.

At this year’s 12th Schaeffler Kolloquium, the automotive and industrial supplier is giving around 300 customers from Europe and beyond a close-up look at the latest technologies for the future of sustainable, efficient, and comfortable mobility. The two-day event, themed “Energizing the Next Generation,” puts the spotlight on innovations from Schaeffler’s electromobility, chassis systems, and hydrogen technology operations. Held every four years, the Schaeffler Kolloquium is a worldwide customer showcase. It kicks off in Bühl, Germany, where the Automotive Technologies division is headquartered, and will be followed in the course of the year by sister events in Detroit and San Jose (United States), Changsha (China), and Yokohama (Japan).

June 22 was Climate Action Day at all Schaeffler locations worldwide, from Herzogenaurach, Germany to Taicang, China, and from Port Elizabeth, South Africa to Fort Mill, USA. 

Voith is further expanding its expertise in the e-mobility sector. With the VEDS HD+, the company is presenting its first drive concept for heavy-duty trucks. Special configurations for waste collection vehicles, inner-city logistics or long-distance transport applications ensure efficient driving with every use.

As part of its new, extensive eLION platform for the electrification of mobile working machines, Bosch Rexroth has developed spur gearboxes which vehicle manufacturers can use to unlock the full potential of new electric motors.