An Eaton engineer performs tests on a fuse for electrified commercial vehicles. (Photo: Business Wire)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—A portfolio of fuses from Eaton has been adapted to solve challenges of vibration and harshness specific to the electric motors used in commercial electric vehicles (EVs), according to a release from Eaton.
Eaton, a developer and manufacturer of intelligent power management products, has more than 100 years of experience in the electrical and vehicle industries. The company said in the release that it leveraged its strong grasp of vehicle systems and dynamics, along with its expertise in electrical systems, to develop fuses that can be adapted to customer specifications in the growing electrified commercial vehicle space.
“We have adapted our fuses to be the ideal solution for electrified commercial vehicles, which require greater power than passenger EVs,” said Kimberley Wakelin, engineering manager, protection EV, Eaton, in a statement. “Electrified vehicles are propelled by electric motors, which are cyclic and need to perform in harsh environments. This means the fuses must be able to handle such conditions and the vehicle’s vibrations. Our innovative Bussmann series fuses solve that challenge, keeping up with harshness and vibration levels.”
The Eaton Bussmann series fuses reportedly handle up to 1,400 amps and 900 volts and can be tailored to customer specifications. Eaton can increase current capability by either design modifications or paralleling multiple fuses, the company said.
Eaton’s global testing capabilities are said to give it the ability to conduct most tests in-house, rather than having to outsource testing.
“We have the capability to do even the most difficult testing, including environmental, thermal shock chamber, and vibration rig tests,” Wakelin said.
Eaton said it partners with global OEMs early in the vehicle development process to develop custom fuse solutions for electrified commercial vehicles. Once developed, Eaton simulates the system to ensure its longevity.
The company makes products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace, and mobility markets.
“We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably. and to help our customers manage power today and well into the future, the company said in the release. “By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.”