2023-10-25
Energy-efficient Voith Electrical Drive System wins 2023 Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award
- Second award in a row for Voith
- Electrical drive concept in use in numerous buses worldwide
- Same range with one-fifth less charging current
The high level of efficiency of the VEDS stems from the basic principle of the concept, which not only covers the drive but also the overall system. Voith has always considered itself to be a system supplier and therefore delivers the appropriate periphery and controls, with all components coordinated with one another.
The high level of efficiency of the VEDS stems from the basic principle of the concept, which not only covers the drive but also the overall system. Voith has always considered itself to be a system supplier and therefore delivers the appropriate periphery and controls, with all components coordinated with one another.
Using software, the drive management unit of the VEDS therefore coordinates the energy management of the vehicle. As a result, the system responds to the respective driving situation with an appropriate frequency variant, so that the total consumption of drive system and peripherals is always in the ideal range.
The result is very low energy consumption of 0.68 kWh/km. This has been verified in an independent test by the non-profit Zemo Partnership in the United Kingdom. The demonstrated efficiency benefits compared with other electric-only bus platforms consist of up to 20 percent more range with the same charging current. Specifically, this means the same range with one-fifth less charging current.
Already, the battery-electric or fuel-cell powered Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) is helping to electrify transport and mobility in numerous urban spaces. For example, the drive solution is a major factor in helping to decarbonize the bus fleet in London. Currently, almost 20 percent of all new e-buses in the British capital are fitted with a VEDS. Many other bus operators around the world are relying on Voith as a partner for their zero-emission strategy.
At present, the drive solution is primarily used in the bus segment.
Moreover, the modular structure of the VEDS makes it possible to retrofit and integrate the components into existing vehicles.
Since 2009, the Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award has been presented every two years by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector. This is the second time in succession that Voith has been among the companies winning an accolade. In 2021, the Group won third place in the category “Energy Efficiency” for the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP), a sustainable drive solution for ships. The Environmental Technology Award comes with a monetary prize of €100,000, which is divided among four categories, and a special jury award.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.
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