IAA Transportation 2022: Valeo follows with micromobility and electric solutions

Two vehicles for micromobility and thus the last mile were the focus at Valeo – because Valeo produces the drives for these. Such innovations have led to a 50% increase in orders for Valeo compared to the last edition of this European trade fair four years ago. Today, Valeo's order intake amounts to several billion euros. Clearly, the number of technologies produced by Valeo for commercial vehicles also increased by 50% during this period - but this was because the French company has found "a direct answer to the industry's transformation," according to their own statements.

The focus here was naturally on electrification systems – which go far beyond the pure electric motor – extending to ADAS, lighting, and comfort systems. As a result, Valeo currently has many needed core technologies in its program that ensure greater safety with less energy consumption.

The topic of electric drivetrains now ranges from long-haul freight to the last mile in cities and even to passenger transport. The exhibited products range from high to low voltage, including the new 800V SiC inverter (silicon carbide), the "brain" that controls the electric motor in trucks. Also, the 400V and 800V eAxles: units that are mounted in the center of the vehicle axle and include the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics, and of course 48V hybrid systems for delivery vans.

The Cyclee technology is being incorporated by increasing numbers of cargo bike companies

However, the Valeo Cyclee technology was also in the spotlight, prominently placed in the form of the cargo bike, further developed with the new drive, from the automotive supplier Mubea. The system consists of a module that is built into the pedal unit – a real innovation for cargo and bicycles. It integrates a 48V electric motor, an automatic transmission, and predictive software. It is particularly suitable for eCargo bikes and trikes, where the rider no longer needs to think about shifting gears and is also supported with high transport weights, particularly in commercial applications.

Valeo has also developed an autonomous mini-delivery droid. This all-electric vehicle is a great example of the intelligent combination of Valeo technologies and helps pedestrians transport their purchases while on the move. Its autonomous driving system uses technologies integrated into the Valeo Mobility Kit [see explanations below] to analyze its surroundings. Valeo's mini-droid provides a glimpse of how last-mile delivery in complex, densely populated urban areas could look, especially in the increasingly numerous zero-emission zones being established worldwide.

Heating and cooling in electric buses and commercial vehicles

But Valeo has also advanced in thermal systems: These include battery heat control as well as air conditioning and heat pump systems. Designed for electric buses, the Valeo Revo-E HP R744 is a heating and cooling system for electric buses that consumes little energy, thereby optimizing the vehicle's range. Additionally, the Valeo FlexHeater, an intelligent low-energy interior heating system for electric trucks, also belongs to Valeo's heat control technologies – which are becoming increasingly relevant with the advent of many new electric trucks.

Heating and Cooling in Electric Buses and Commercial Vehicles

But Valeo has also expanded in thermal systems: these include battery thermal control, as well as air conditioning and heat pump systems. Designed for electric buses, Valeo Revo-E HP R744 is a heating and cooling system for electric buses that consumes little energy and thus optimizes the vehicle's range. Additionally, the Valeo FlexHeater, an intelligent cabin heating system with low energy consumption for electric trucks, is also part of Valeo's thermal control technologies - which is becoming increasingly relevant with the advent of many new electric trucks.

More Safety Thanks to LED and ADAS Systems

From regulating the interior temperature to reinventing the interior experience, Valeo has taken a step further and developed innovations that improve safety and comfort - and make driving easier thanks to intelligent software. One example is the DMS (Driver Monitoring System), which is mounted on the inner pillar of the windshield of vans. This technology represents a significant advancement in preventing fatigue and distraction.

Valeo's LED lighting systems for trucks also contribute to safety, as lighting is now used for information, orientation, warning, and assisting the driver in daily operations. In the future, it can also be used to provide signals to the surroundings, as Valeo spokesperson Andreas vom Bruch explains: for example, projecting a lit crosswalk in front of the truck to let people pass or illuminating the blind spot as a warning - the ideas are endless. gs/jr

What Does This Mean?

Valeo is keeping at it and invests massively in development every year - more than 10% of the original equipment sales flow into research and development - to be able to offer meaningful and sustainable solutions. The French have the good fortune of currently having many "right", that is truly meaningful and necessary, products in the pipeline.