Chennai 

French auto component firm Valeo has introduced a fully integrated compact electric powertrain system in India to aid electrification at an affordable cost for small mobility vehicles – two and three wheelers (2W and 3W) that are extensively used for first and last mile connectivity in the country.

Known for developing automotive electrification technology, Valeo is a pioneer and world leader in 48V EV & Hybrid Powertrain systems, which contribute to significantly reducing CO2 emissions at an affordable price. These 48V systems from Valeo are ideal for two - and three - wheeler electrification in India.

Valeo’s integrated compact electric powertrain systems based on 48V technology are an innovative product for a range of small vehicles. Earlier this year, Valeo introduced this technology in the European market. Valeo is now bringing it to India as an ideal solution to power the electrification needs of two - and three wheelers - that constitute the vast majority of motor vehicles in the country. Valeo’s Special Vehicle Application team in France along with the team in India is already working with key local players to introduce this technology in the market.

This versatile compact electric powertrain system is an integrated solution that combines the strengths of proven products - notably the motor and the transmission unit - with the application and systems expertise of Valeo. A single solution, it will meet all the power needs for a wide range of two and three-wheeler formats in India.

Commenting on the product, Jayakumar G, Group President – Valeo India, said, “We are committed in driving the vehicle electrification in India through our innovative, customisable and affordable technologies. We understand that the small mobility market needs are different from the passenger car market. Hence, this 48V integrated compact electric powertrain technology is the ideal solution to address the unique electrification needs of vehicles in the first and last mile connectivity in our country. We are confident that this 48V advanced integrated compact electric powertrain technology will not only address this need for small mobility solutions such as two– and three–wheelers, but also play a significant role in accelerating the EV adoption in India. In addition, our 48V motor is available as a solution for hybrid electrification needs in four wheelers.”

As a tech company, Valeo develops innovative vehicle technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. The company has developed 12 technology platforms, of which eight are focused on electrification. 

As a world leader in automotive electrification technology, Valeo offers both low and high voltage solutions and its technologies power all types of vehicles from two - and three -wheel urban vehicles to premium sedans and SUVs. Through the Valeo Siemens eAutomotive joint venture, Valeo is the world number one in high-voltage i.e., greater than 60V systems for electric vehicles. 

India is a unique market with a wide range of mobility solutions available for short - and long - distance commutes. Specifically, multiple forms of low-cost transportation are used to fulfill the last mile connectivity requirements with two - and three - wheelers topping the list. In 2019-20 alone, India produced 21.03 million two-wheelers and 1.13 million three-wheelers. 

In recent years, electrification adoption of two - and three - wheelers is gaining traction and finding good acceptance as zero-emission transport vehicles in the country. This is mainly because small electric vehicles have been found to offer better total cost of ownership (TCO), as compared to their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts. This has found immense favour in a cost-conscious market like India.

Valeo’s integrated compact powertrain system is the result of Valeo’s knowledge and extensive experience in the automotive powertrains spanning decades globally. In India, Valeo will focus on collaborating with the OEMs to address their unique needs and localise the technology to fulfill their requirements. 

Valeo engineers bring all their expertise to ensure that the integration of the powertrain into the vehicle is done in the simplest and quickest way possible. This expertise and support will help the OEMs to go to market within a short period.