German automotive supplier Schaeffler introduced a new series of 800V heavy-duty electric motors tailored for electric and hybrid traction drives in construction machinery, aiming to combine high power output with manufacturing efficiency.
Unveiled at the Bauma trade fair in Munich, the series includes three variants with peak outputs of 125 kW, 299 kW, and 315 kW. Each version is built with a modular design, maintaining consistent diameters while differing in rotor and stator lengths. The company said the motors are engineered for high torque and power-to-weight ratios of approximately five to seven kW/kg, with peak efficiencies exceeding 97% between 3,000 and 8,000 rpm.
According to the company, “the individual stator laminations and the A- and B-side bearing end shields of the motors are identical in each case and therefore facilitate especially cost-efficient manufacturing.”
The stators incorporate flat-wire wave windings, also known as hairpin technology, to enhance efficiency. Schaeffler, known for its expertise in ball bearings, highlighted the use of ceramic balls in the rotor shaft bearings to minimize friction and prevent electrical damage.
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Alongside the motor launch, Schaeffler is also showcasing a complete electric axle with an integrated heavy-duty motor at the trade show, reflecting its broader push into electrification solutions for commercial and industrial vehicles.
The product announcement follows a year of mixed developments for Schaeffler. In late 2024, the company opened a new technology centre while also disclosing significant job cuts in Europe. In January, it expanded its position in battery technology with a strategic investment in battery recycling startup Circunomics.