German supplier Bosch has developed a compact 800- volt electric motor designed to be installed in rigid axles of commercial vehicles, such as large delivery vans and trucks.
The motor sits where the differential is usually placed and turns both axle shafts. Bosch plans to debut the motor at this week's Motor Bella event in Pontiac, Mich.
Because commercial vehicles haul heavy payloads, Bosch engineers developed a twin-circuit cooling system. The rotor and stator are cooled internally by oil, while the motor's active parts are housed in a water-cooling jacket.
The supplier plans to produce versions of the motor rated at between 201 hp and 308 hp.