MAHLE Opens Test Bench for Electric Drives - Engine Builder Magazine

MAHLE Opens Test Bench for Electric Drives

MAHLE has commissioned a test bench for electric drives in Stuttgart, Germany. This equipment will be used to develop and test e-axles and e-drive units for a wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles. The first test on a unit was successfully performed just a few days ago. MAHLE has invested around EUR 3 million in the new facility, which marks another milestone in MAHLE’s technological transformation.

“With the commissioning of the test bench, MAHLE continues the targeted expansion of its global range of services for e-mobility,” says Dr. Martin Berger, vp of corporate research and advanced engineering at MAHLE. “Both our customers and our developers can now benefit from an ultramodern facility, which is one of only very few in Germany.” 

In the future, the new e-test bench in Fellbach will be used on behalf of international customers to carry out functional development work, simulate highly dynamic, transient modes of operation, perform efficiency measurements and torque vectoring, and simulate wheel slip scenarios. Operating map application and data population, testing of high- and low-voltage systems, and the investigation of thermal influences are also among the scope of services. Also, MAHLE components can be tested in the context of a whole system there.

The test facility includes an e-axle unit consisting of two oppositely mounted load machines equipped with permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors. Thanks to a nominal power handling of 350 kW per dynamometer and an impressive peak torque handling capacity of 8,400 Nm (7,000 Nm continuous torque), the setup boasts formidable performance data. Separate battery simulators for applications ranging from 48 V to 1,000 V and a high-speed power analyzer system allow for performance mapping, performance characterization and efficiency studies to be carried out. 

In addition, the new facility has a high-performance thermal conditioning system that provides a temperature range from –30oC to +130oC for the accurate simulation of vehicle operating conditions. This ensures that the drives tested in the facility will function reliably under the widest variety of climatic conditions around the world. The time an e-drive spends on the test bench depends on the specific customer requirements and ranges from around 200 hours to test individual functions through to a whole year when endurance testing is required.

You May Also Like

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers send EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to ACC II Waiver

SEMA member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal combustion engine motor vehicles by 2035. Specialty aftermarket businesses and industry supporters sent over 5,000 letters to the U.S. EPA expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees, and millions of automotive enthusiasts. 

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Dayco Begins Full-Scale Belt

Dayco Begins Full-Scale Belt Production in Mexico

At the end of 2022, Dayco, a leading engine product and drive systems manufacturer for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, announced it was investing in a new manufacturing facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to produce its globally recognized OE-quality drive belts. Related Articles – VP Racing Partners with Ida Zetterstrom for 2024 NHRA

Cummins Announces Next Gen X15 Diesel Engine

Cummins Inc. has announced it will launch its most efficient heavy-duty diesel engine ever. As the next product in the Cummins HELM 15-liter fuel agnostic platform, the diesel X15 will be compliant with U.S. EPA and CARB 2027 aligned regulations at launch. The next generation X15 diesel engine in North America will serve the heavy-duty

Hendrick Motorsports Partners with GROB Systems

Hendrick Motorsports and GROB Systems Inc. have teamed up for a synergistic partnership to bring precision 5-Axis GROB machines to the Concord, NC campus of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions.  Related Articles – Sick Week 2024 Results – Isky Racing Cams’ Ron Iskenderian Has Passed Away at 75 – MPMC Media Trade Conference to Relocate in 2025

Other Posts

Mobil 1 Celebrates 50th Anniversary

In 2024, ExxonMobil will commemorate its 50-year history of the Mobil 1 brand with a series of initiatives across partnerships, motorsports, and virtual reality, each of which will highlight the brand’s legacy and what’s to come. Related Articles – Lewis Hamilton to Leave Mercedes for Ferrari in F1 2025 Season – Formula 1 Rejects Andretti

Lewis Hamilton to Leave Mercedes for Ferrari in F1 2025 Season

Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari next year and replace Carlos Sainz.

Formula 1 Rejects Andretti and Cadillac

Formula 1 earlier this week rejected Andretti Global’s long-held bid to join the series in the 2025 or 2026 season, also denying the team’s corporate partner General Motors. Related Articles – Competitors Revealed for ’24 Pikes Peak Hill Climb – Hot Rod Drag Week 2024 to Celebrate 20th Anniversary – Engine Builder Hall of Fame

Nasr Victorious at Rolex 24 for Penske, Porsche

Felipe Nasr delivered the first Rolex 24 At Daytona overall win for team owner Roger Penske in 55 years, and the first for Porsche in 14 years, in an exciting conclusion Sunday to the iconic endurance sports car race. Related Articles – 3 Engines for Sale – LS3 and Two Small Block Chevys – Holley