Global OEM selects Eaton power distribution technology for new electric vehicle platform

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Power management company Eaton announced today that its eMobility business has been awarded a contract to supply a global automaker with power distribution units (PDUs) and Bussmann™ Series fuses for use in a new battery electric (BEV) light commercial vehicle, a fast-growing segment of the BEV market. The PDU is designed to be scalable and can be applied to a variety of future vehicles in the portfolio.

Also called a junction box or fuse box, a PDU connects the main battery power to the rest of the vehicle in a similar way to a home electrical panel that connects the main power to the various branch circuits of a house. While distributing power to the vehicle, the PDU also fulfills a safety function by providing circuit protection.

Eaton's eMobility business was awarded the supply agreement because it offers unique features over competitors, including full integration of the Bussmann range of fuses into the PDU to protect four auxiliary circuits.

“Eaton’s extensive experience and application of fuse and circuit protection technologies enabled the PDU to be integrated to a level that other companies could not achieve,” said Kevin Calzada, global product strategy manager for power distribution and protection at Eaton’s eMobility business unit. “Eaton was able to ensure the safety of this project and ensure high reliability of the system through technical agility in the design of PDU functions.”

Eaton’s eMobility team used its extensive electrical expertise to design a functional and cost-effective product to meet the vehicle’s stringent circuit protection requirements. The PDU has also been rigorously tested to ensure long-term reliability.

“Unique fuse durability simulations in the industry help OEMs reduce risk,” said Calzada. “If the wrong auxiliary fuse is selected, it can cause nuisance tripping issues, but with our expert guidance, we can adjust the fuse and prove long-term reliability through fuse sizing analysis.”

OEMs also require PDUs to provide multiple levels of safety. To ensure safe maintenance and repair, Eaton's PDUs feature a unique design in the layout of the junction box locations. In addition, Eaton units feature a test port that allows the meter to be used as a probe to contact a tiny circuit board that sends a signal if the unit is still charging, preventing technicians from accidentally touching high voltages.

Eaton's eMobility business unit combines the products, expertise and global manufacturing capabilities of Eaton's Electrification Group and Vehicle Group. Eaton plans to further develop new products and technologies, including smart diagnostics, smart power electronics and predictive health monitoring systems, to strengthen its international capabilities and provide smart electrification solutions for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and off-highway customers.

Eaton's mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more safely, more efficiently and more reliably. Eaton's 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees.