Eaton to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Eaton to develop EV charging infrastructure

Eaton announced a $4.9 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce the cost and complexity of deploying direct-current (DC) fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI). Under the three-year program, Eaton will develop and demonstrate a novel, compact and turnkey solution for DC fast-charging infrastructure that is anticipated to reduce costs by 65% through improvements in power conversion and grid interconnection technology, charger integration and modularity, and installation time.

Ready access to low-cost, fast charging infrastructure is essential for fleet electrification and broader electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Eaton noted in a press release. Yet, current charging technology can be prohibitively expensive to deploy on a large scale. Eaton and its project partners aim to accelerate fleet electrification by providing a compact, cost-efficient and fully integrated solution that is factory optimized for local grid interconnection and immediate use.

To support this innovative EVCI solution, Eaton will develop a unique solid-state transformer design and modular chargers packaged on a compact skid—expediting installation, reducing required equipment and minimizing deployment cost and footprint. The Eaton solid-state transformer technology will enable direct connection to the utility medium-voltage distribution system to eliminate the need for additional power conversion devices and associated commissioning. With integrated energy management and charge control software, the EVCI solution will also help avoid peak energy costs by accurately forecasting and managing electrical demand.

As part of the award, Eaton is leading the project with partners including the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), North Carolina State University (NCSU), University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), ITC Holdings, and CALSTART. The project leverages Eaton’s previous DOE-funded research on solid-state transformers, solar-plus-storage and DC systems.

“One of the biggest challenges to the buildout of complete EV charging infrastructure is coordinating with stakeholders,” explained Eaton’s Vijay Bhavaraju, who is leading the project as principal investigator and system architect. “In addition to leveraging the expertise of our project partners, we’re actively engaging with community, business and government leaders to help ensure everyone is able to experience the long-term benefits of electrifying transport.”

Eaton, NCSU and Pitt are collaborating on the technical development of the solid-state transformer. NREL will provide an initial demonstration site to validate the technology using its Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform. ITC Holdings will provide a demonstration site for fleet charging, and CALSTART will support community engagement while providing independent validation of cost and performance improvements.

Eaton also received a $2.4 million award from the DOE to develop new technologies to reduce emissions from agricultural equipment. With the award, Eaton’s Vehicle Group will develop technologies that will simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) by 10% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90% for agricultural powertrains over multiple-duty cycles.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with deep regional application expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; power quality, backup power and energy storage; control and automation; life safety and security; structural solutions; and harsh and hazardous environment solutions. Through end-to-end services, channel and an integrated digital platform and insights, Eaton is powering what matters across industries and around the world, helping customers solve their most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. Eaton provides sustainable solutions that help its customers effectively manage electrical and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and the company sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. Eaton has approximately 85,000 employees.

You May Also Like

Volvo to acquire battery business from Proterra Inc., Proterra Operating Company

Volvo Group has been selected as the winning bidder in an auction for the business and assets of the Proterra Powered business unit.

Volvo-VNR-Electric-Training-Center-1400

Proterra Inc. and Proterra Operating Company Inc. are in a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy process in the US. Volvo Group has been selected as the winning bidder in an auction for the business and assets of the Proterra Powered business unit at a purchase price of $210M.

The transaction between Proterra Inc. and Proterra Operating Co. as sellers and Volvo is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court in the U.S. In addition, closing of the transaction, which is expected early 2024, will be subject to merger clearance and certain other conditions.

Phillips Industries introduces interior corner lights with motion detection for dry vans and reefers

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. selected these new lights as their standard interior trailer lights for their refrigerated trailers. 

Phillips-Permalite-Apex-Motion-1400
Apollo begins deliveries of long haul trailer tire

The EnduMile LHT includes a ‘free-rolling’ tread pattern, designed specifically for trailer axles.

Apollo-22.5-EnduMile-LHT-side-1400
PRT highlights heavy-duty products at AAPEX 2023

PRT presented its air shocks, motor and strut mounts, and an extensive portfolio of HD applications.

PRT-AAPEX
PRT Launches 32 New Products on Complete Strut Assemblies

The new items represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage.

PRT-Strut-Parts

Other Posts

Mercedes-Benz delivers first eActros 300 semitrailer tractor in Germany

Logistik Schmitt will add a total of six eActros 300 semitrailer tractors to its fleet.

eActros-1400
Rizon electric trucks receive EPA and CARB certification

The Class 4 and 5 medium-duty electric trucks are set to begin deliveries in Q4.

rizon-truck-hvip-certified-600
Canadian grocery fleet to deploy two Volvo VNR Electric trucks

The trucks will run routes in the Montreal area for Loblaw Companies Limited.

Volvo-Loblaw-1400
Peterbilt delivers Model 520EV refuse vehicle to City of Roses Disposal Recycling

The zero-emissions Model 520EV will provide recycling and waste collection services for the city of Portland.