Next stop: E-Mobility - with the new Voith Electrical Drive System
The perfect drive system for changing intra-urban mobility: As an established system supplier with many years of experience and a partner to the bus industry, we have combined our comprehensive know-how in the fields of drive systems and E-Mobility. Voith has developed a pioneering electrical drive system for local public transit. The Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS).
System changeover - with maximum safety ensured through a complete e-drivetrain solution from a single source
The Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) is an electric direct drive system for OEM independent city bus (solo, double deck, school, and articulated buses) and coach applications with both battery-electric and fuel cell electric power sources. It combines a water-cooled permanent magnet motor with an inverter and control software; further auxiliary components are optionally possible. With the integrated system approach of the VEDS, all system components are perfectly aligned with each other. It begins with hardware components such as electric motors, traction inverters and high-voltage distribution systems, and extends to software components such as drive control and energy management.
As a result, the drive system provides a low-weight solution with its compact design, enabling a lower energy consumption during operation and a range increase. Performance is another key factor. With a torque of 3,100 Nm and a power of 310 kW (continuous power) the heavy-duty (HD) direct drive electric motor is suitable for solo buses, heavy articulated or double-deck buses. The medium duty (MD) electric motor shows a torque of 2,850 Nm with an output of 230 kW (continuous power), suitable for medium-duty buses.
Quiet, reliable, and powerful - the innovative e-drive system
VEDS small scope
VEDS small scope provides the basis components of an e-drive system for different bus applications. It consists of an electric motor, a traction inverter, and corresponding drive management unit.
Voith supplies different electric motors and inverters depending on the customer’s bus application. The customer can choose between the medium duty and heavy duty motor variant.
MD or HD e-motor
Liquid cooled IPSM MD or HD e-motor
- High efficiency at low speed
- High power density
- Robust and reliable design
- Direct Drive - No gearbox necessary
- IP6K9K
- Prepared for KITAS
Types | MD Motor | HD Motor |
---|---|---|
Power | 260 kW (max) | 410 kW (max) |
Continuous power | 230 kW | 310 kW |
Torque | 2,850 Nm (max) | 3,100 Nm (max) |
Max. speed | 2,500 rpm | 3,800 rpm |
Drive inverter system (DIS)
- Water cooled
- Modular
- Optimized control algorithm for IPSM motors
- Integrated safety controller
- IP6K9K
- Optional: Integrated Brake Chopper
- 1200V IGBT‘s (Voith experience & know-how for more than 15 years – rail application)
- Own gatedriver technology
- Short circuit resistance – No damage of inverter in case of short circuit of E-Motor
- Reinforced insulation
- Functional safety (ISO 26262) compliance
Drive management unit (DMU)
- Energy Management
- Driving Functionalities
- Integrated Safety Controller
VEDS extended scope
Besides the small scope of the electric drivetrain (electric motor, inverter, and drive management unit), Voith supplies further auxiliary components.
The VEDS extended scope includes auxiliary components such as auxiliary inverters, cables, power distribution box, charging control unit, and a DCDC converter for fuel cell applications.
DCDC converter
- 80 kW DCDC available
- 150 kW DCDC available
Charging control unit (CCU)
- Standard
- With additional pantograph possible
- Dual gun charging possible
Power distribution box (PDB)
- Various outputs fused and switched
- 2 charging inlets
- Insulation monitor possible
Electric auxiliary converter unit (EACU)
- DCDC 24V functionality
- DCAC 7.5-30kW output power
Central electrical interface (CEI)
- Power supply 16V…32V
- Max current 30A
- Secured control for 7 HV components and DMU incl. CAN Bus
- Temperature range: -20°C…+65°C
The central benefits of the Voith Electrical Drive System at a glance.
A groundbreaking solution for public transportation vehicles - in use worldwide

About five years ago, Voith unveiled the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS), a groundbreaking solution for public transportation vehicles. Today, numerous manufacturers have already equipped their new electric vehicles with our VEDS. Due to its compact design and high flexibility, our VEDS can be easily integrated into electric vehicles or used to convert conventional or hybrid buses and trucks.

There are several reasons for this excellent performance. Our motor and inverter are perfectly aligned with each other. There are unique pulse algorithms especially for lowest speeds. With VEDS OEMs can create high recuperation rates in class.
Learn more on www.zemo.org.ukExperience VEDS with our online demonstrator
Developed as a fully electric solution for public transport, the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) effectively combines our extensive know-how in drive manufacturing and E-Mobiltity. In four scenarios, our online demonstrator shows how this holistic approach proves its worth during operation, displaying the key performance values as they change depending on the situation.
Contact our experts
Do you have a specific project or technical request you want to discuss with one of our Electrical Drive System experts? We're there for you.
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