Bosch has introduced a high-performance 800-volt electric drive system for construction machinery at the Bauma trade fair, featuring the Bosch SMG230 electric motor and an advanced inverter with silicon carbide power modules.
The newly developed system supports battery voltages of up to 850 volts and is designed to meet the high power demands of construction machinery, including compact equipment like wheel loaders. “The latest generation of our powerful electric drive system combines high power density, compact dimensions, and optimum efficiency,” said Philipp Kurek, head of the Off-Highway and Marine division at Bosch Engineering.
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The motor delivers a continuous output of up to 200 kilowatts and approximately 250 Newton meters of torque in optimal conditions, with short-term torque peaking at 550 Nm. Bosch states that the 800-volt architecture allows for a significant increase in power density, offering up to 80 kilowatts more power than a comparable 400-volt system at the same weight, or a lighter and more compact design for the same output.
Complementing the motor, Bosch’s newly developed 800-volt inverter utilizes silicon carbide semiconductors, achieving efficiency rates above 99 percent. The enhanced switching speed and reduced energy loss from heat contribute to overall system efficiency.
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Bosch highlights the durability and adaptability of the electric drive, stating that the safety and diagnostic systems draw from proven automotive standards while being tailored to mobile machinery requirements. The compact design facilitates easy integration into existing equipment platforms, enabling electrification without major structural changes. Bosch Engineering, in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth, will support customers in system integration and application development through the open ECOsystem BODAS.
The company asserts that improved overall efficiency can lead to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), making electric construction machinery a financially viable alternative to diesel-hydraulic systems, depending on usage profiles.