Eaton announced it has reached an agreement to supply its new 48-volt programmable aftertreatment heater controller for electrically heated catalysts to a global commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Eaton did not name the OEM, but notes that rapidly warming up the diesel exhaust aftertreatment catalyst, and keeping it warm during low engine load operation, is essential for optimal performance to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions.

This technology comes at a time when vehicle manufacturers are facing tightening emissions standards around the globe. Collectively, the new regulations are designed to reduce tailpipe NOx emissions by up to 90%, thus accelerating the need for global manufacturers to employ additional emission-reducing strategies such as electric catalyst heating, Eaton said.

“Eaton was chosen to supply this system due to our legacy of developing low-voltage power conversion and power electronics solutions,” said Ben Karrer, head of engineering, low voltage and power conversion in Eaton’s mobility group. “We have been selling similar technologies for decades for global agricultural and military applications, among others. This marks a milestone for us as we are now introducing this innovative technology to the commercial vehicle sector.”