From multinational battery developers to commercial-vehicle components manufacturers merging new-age motors with established power-transfer technologies, Battery & Electrification Technology's Fast 40 presents some of the most important names in electrification. Entities from the automotive, commercial-vehicle, and aerospace sectors are represented, as their work developing electrification strategies for their respective industries touches economies on nearly every continent – and their parallel engineering paths converge to accelerate transportation's transition to electrification.

Established in 2007 as a joint venture between Nissan Motor Co., NEC Corp., and NEC Tokin Corp, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) develops and produces high-performance lithium-ion batteries for light vehicles. To date, its batteries manufactured in Japan, the U.S., and Europe have all been installed in over 600,000 EVs with a zero rate of critical malfunction.

Airbus developed the first all-electric, four-engine aerobatic aircraft in 2010. Since then, the company has developed several successful electric/hybrid aircraft, including the E-Fan 1.1, a 60 kW all-electric aircraft that flew across the English Channel in 2015.

Founded in 2019 by five former Airbus Vahana team members, Airflow's M200 aircraft, scheduled to make its debut in 2025, will be able to carry 2,000 pounds of cargo, nine passengers, and be 100-percent carbon neutral. It will require just 400 feet of takeoff and landing distance and have a reputed 500-mile range.

Recently acquired by BorgWarner, German brand Akasol supplies a third-generation battery system for commercial vehicles that reportedly has the highest energy density available on the market. A service life of up to 4,000 charging cycles also is achieved.

Allison's eGen Power series of fully integrated electric axles is designed to fit between the wheels of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, replacing the vehicle's traditional powertrain. It also integrates a two-speed gearbox in the central housing, enabling the high starting gradeability and increased top speed and efficiency.

American Battery Solutions produces custom and off-the-shelf battery packs for buses and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. These battery systems include integrated liquid cooling and battery-management systems with ASIL-C functional safety.

With decades of experience designing integrated flight controls and propulsion systems, BAE Systems now is investing heavily in flight and safety critical systems to enable the future of hybrid and all-electric aircraft. Three primary focus areas are energy-management systems, integrated control systems, and power conversion systems.

One of the oldest names in automotive power transmission, BorgWarner offers a full line of EV, hybrid, and ICE products including battery systems, EV transmissions, electric machines and drive modules, e-axles, power electronics, battery charging and thermal management solutions.

From e-bikes to electric heavy trucks and railcars, Bosch has systems solutions for every electrified vehicle including battery-electric drive systems, e-axles, fuel-cell electric drives, hybrid-electric technologies including 48-V solutions, and thermal management.

BrightVolt develops solid-state lithium battery chemistry and has sold over 15 million primary/nonrechargeable solid-state batteries worldwide. The company's new “platform” solid-state polymer electrolyte is aimed at secondary/rechargeable Li-ion batteries used in consumer electronics and e-mobility applications. The company's proprietary technology is polymer matrix electrolyte (PME).

BYD currently is ranked as the world's 4th largest battery manufacturer, specializing in safe LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) cell chemistry, as well as electric motor design and engineering. Based in China, BYD has North American headquarters in Los Angeles, CA, and a 550,000-ft2 electric-bus manufacturing facility in Lancaster, CA.

For the past five years, China-based CATL has been ranked as the world's largest EV battery supplier and a major developer of lithium-based cell chemistries. CATL has among its OEM customers Tesla, NIO, and Volkswagen and Fisker's upcoming Ocean SUV. Additionally, CATL has developed other battery technologies such as sodium-ion cells as well as its own recently announced EV battery-swap brand.

High-voltage current sensing for 400-800-V EVs, battery impact detection systems, and intelligent battery sensing for the vehicle's conventional 12-V battery – essential for micro-hybrid stop-start operation – are technologies engineered for electrified vehicles by Continental Automotive.

Cummins’ New Power business works with multiple OEMs to integrate its battery packs and modules for application in trucks, buses, and off-highway machines. Cummins also released its new PowerDrive 8000 system for terminal tractors, which will be powered with up to 182 kWh of fast-charging Cummins batteries and equipped with DC-fast charge technology.

Global Tier 1 supplier of e-mobility products for light, commercial and off-highway vehicles, including in-house expertise in gearboxes, low- to high-voltage motors, inverters, controls, and thermal and battery management.

Denso's decades of experience as an automotive electronics leader is being harnessed for electrified vehicles. The company is a volume producer of electric-powertrain system control and lithium-battery control systems, battery monitoring and battery current sensors, DC-DC converters, electric machines and drive modules, thermal management, and hydrogen control technologies for fuel-cell vehicles.

Eaton formed a new ePowertrain business unit to focus on products from its electrified-vehicle (EV) transmission, reduction gearing, and differential portfolios for commercial and light-duty EVs. Its portfolio of multispeed transmissions includes 2-, 4- and 6-speed electrified commercial-vehicle transmissions based on architecture typical of automated manual transmissions and with shifting synchronized without a clutch.

EVE is a leader in developing and manufacturing lithium battery cell chemistries, including lithium thionyl chloride (Li/SOCl2) and lithium manganese dioxide (Li/MnO2), as well as developing lithium rechargeable cells and customized portable power source solutions.

One of the world's top engineering consultancies, FEV serves its OEM partners by developing technical solutions and work on new standards for innovative energy storage systems, focusing on battery energy density, safety, packaging, production strategies, and testing.

GaN Systems aims to obsolete silicon as the mainstay of computer chips with gallium nitride (GaN), a hard and mechanically stable wide-bandgap semiconductor that offers higher breakdown strength, faster switching speed, higher thermal conductivity, and lower on-resistance. These attributes lead to EV power systems that are smaller, lighter, less expensive and have up to 25 percent less power loss.

Swedish-based Heart Aerospace is in the process of developing a 19-passenger electric aircraft called the Heart ES-19 that can travel 250 miles and has a backup generator for energy reserve and range extension. United Airlines and commercial aviation holding company Mesa Air Group have already placed orders for approximately 200 electric aircraft, the first of which should be ready for delivery in 2026.

Hyliion produces electrified powertrain systems that can augment or fully replace diesel- or natural gas-fueled commercial-vehicle powertrains. Its Hybrid eX solution designed for Class 8 trucks bolts onto existing or new OEM truck chassis.

Global researcher, developer, and builder of lithium-ion batteries for automotive EV, IT, and ESS applications. Worldwide production sites and supplier to several major automakers.

The Loveland, CO-based company claims to be the first commercial EV manufacturer to offer electrification of both legacy OEM platforms and purpose-built vehicles. Its eChassis platform accommodates various battery sizes and configurations, as well as different powertrain integrations and wheelbases.

Multinational Tier I supplier of electrified powertrain components and systems for passenger and commercial vehicles. eDrive portfolio includes components for EV, HEV, and PHEV applications.

Develops and manufactures energy storage and power-delivery solutions. Focus on ultracapacitor applications for consumer and industrial electronics, renewable energy, automotive, transportation and information technology.

Meritor, which recently entered into an agreement to be acquired by Cummins, has begun production of its 14Xe ePowertrain, a fully integrated, all-electric drive system for Class 8 trucks. The modular design enables the interchangeability of key components, including electric motors, transmissions, gearing, and brakes.

Sweden-based battery cell manufacturer Northvolt offers high-performance “green” lithium-ion cells based on proprietary Lingonberry NMC chemistry. Available in cylindrical and prismatic formats, the cells reportedly offer a minimum 1000+ charging cycles, are 95 percent recyclable and will utilize 50 percent recycled raw materials by 2030.

Developer of advanced EV Battery & Electrification Technology. Focus on hybrid battery-chemistry applications that incorporate lithium-ion phosphate chemistry.

Designs, engineers, and manufactures lithium-ion battery systems for EV, HEV, and PHEV applications. Worldwide production facilities supply major automotive OEMs.

Researcher and developer of anode-less lithium-metal solid-state batteries for EVs. More than 10 years of R&D efforts and 200 patents and patent applications.

Rolls-Royce currently envisions four key markets where hybrid-electric technology will play a key role: small propeller aircraft, urban air mobility, commuter aircraft, and regional aircraft. Among current projects is the Magnus eFusion, a two-seat training aircraft that serves as a flying testbed for the sub-100 kW propulsion systems developed by Rolls-Royce Hungary.

Developer of prismatic-format lithium-ion batteries for EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs. Also manufactures low-voltage system that combines super-capacitor technology with conventional battery storage.

Global Tier I developer and supplier of electrified-vehicle driveline components. Portfolio includes traction motors, electric-drive modules, and wheel-hub motors.

Global research, engineering and manufacture of electric drive systems for consumer and commercial vehicles. Manufacturer of consumer EV chargers.

Developer and producer of lithium-ion battery systems for EVs PHEVs and HEVs. Global footprint of manufacturing facilities supplies variety of automotive OEMs.

Developer of patent-pending LiSTR direct lithium extraction process claimed to drastically reduce the recovery time of extracting lithium from brine. Flagship development site located in the southern U.S.

Research and development of nanosilicon EV battery anode as well as solid-state Battery & Electrification Technology. Development focus is to speed recharging times and enhance safety.

Wright Electric, a New York-based company funded by NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Air Force among others, specializes in developing technology for large commercial airplanes. The company is designing the all-electric Wright Spirit, a 100-passenger airplane designed for one-hour flights.

Multinational Tier I supplier of EV drive-system components and electrical-system software for consumer and commercial vehicles, as well as other modes of mobility. Passenger-vehicle portfolio includes modular electrified axles and all-wheel-drive solutions.

This article first appeared in the May, 2022 issue of Battery & Electrification Technology Magazine.

Read more articles from the archives here.

Here's an Idea: A Future for Smart Fabrics

Sapphire Fiber Could Enable Cleaner Energy and Air-Travel

Predict Battery Lifetimes with Machine Learning

Developing a Better Way to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

Ultra-Thin Solar Panels Achieve Record Efficiency

Is Lidar Necessary for Autonomous Vehicles?

Understanding Fluid Systems Testing for Current and Future Technologies

Preparing for the Cabin Cooling Transition: R-134a to R-1234yf

Get Even More Out of Your EVs with Thermoplastics

Automated Driving for Short- and Long-Haul Trucking: Are Drivers Really Yesterday’s News?

Thermostatic Technology: Improve System Efficiency with Automatic and Precise Thermal Control

Utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach for Vehicle Development

Is The Future of Automation in the Manufacturing Sector Already Here?

The Heat Is On: A Guide to Specifying Insulation Materials

A Coating That Cools And Cuts Costs

Venting for EV Battery Packs

Touchdown Ball-Bearing System for Magnetic Bearings

By submitting your personal information, you agree that SAE Media Group and carefully selected industry sponsors of this content may contact you and that you have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

You may reach us at privacy@saemediagroup.com.

You may unsubscribe at any time.

© 2009-2022 Tech Briefs Media Group