48V ecosystem gains traction in China
Another pillar of Continental's e-mobility activities is power electronics. Continental is underpinning its ambitions with a new local production facility in Tianjin, which is scheduled to start in the course of 2020. The system can be used in a wide range of vehicle segments. It controls both the drive energy and the energy recovery (recuperation) and ensures that the potential of the electric drive is exploited to the full. As a decisive advantage, Continental is promoting the fact that the electric motor and power electronics can be supplied both separately and as a unit. This enables the manufacturer to offer flexible solutions tailored to customer needs.
The 48V technology, which plays a major role in Continental's strategy, is also set to succeed in China: In Changzhou, a joint venture with its Chinese partner CALB (China Aviation Lithium Battery Technology Co., Ltd.) is bringing 48V systems for the automotive industry onto the market. The battery cells will be supplied by CALB, while Continental Powertrain will provide the battery management system including the basic software. Thanks to this cooperation, Continental is able to offer a complete 48V system from a single source - with motor, DC/DC control unit and 48V battery.
Continental and CALB are thus developing energy-saving solutions for battery systems that can reduce CO2 emissions to meet the demand for energy-efficient vehicles from consumers around the world. A further goal is to start production of technically advanced battery systems by the end of 2021.
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