Somebody has placed a huge order for electric truck thermal management

Rheinmetall, known by most as a defence contractor and automotive component manufacturer, is making a name for itself for advancements in thermal management of electric and hydrogen powertrains. 

The German company recently secured a major deal with a global truck manufacturer worth millions of Euros for several hundred thousand of its hi-tech CWA 2000 electric coolant pumps, suggesting a huge rollout of electrified heavy vehicles is imminent.

Rheinmetall says the unnamed buyer has been purchasing its oil and coolant pumps for over two decades but that this order marks the client’s first collaboration with Rheinmetall’s electric truck division and includes the provision of spare parts, signifying a solid expansion of the partnership.

Specifically designed for use in 800-volt architectures, Rheinmetall CWA 2000 pumps feature a proprietary glandless design and specialised bearings optimised for cooling water applications, said to provide exceptional resistance to wear. 

Production is scheduled to commence in 2025, with delivery spanning a six-year period until 2030.

As well as signifying a potentially huge shift toward electrified truck manufacturing, this substantial order underlines Rheinmetall’s success  in establishing a strong presence in the growing market for electric vehicle technology.

In the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility, 800V technology looks likely to supersede 400V as the industry standard.

This higher voltage enables increased charging output of up to 400kW, resulting in enhanced efficiency with reduced electrical and heat losses, allowing for smaller and more efficient cooling systems.

Additionally, 800V technology enables the use of thinner cables, leading to space and weight savings as well as reduced reliance on commodities like copper that can fluctuate in price.

The truck manufacturer adopting Rheinmetall’s thermal management tech will incorporate the latest 800V architecture, which has already proven successful in passenger vehicles from Porsche Hyundai and Kia, and has been adopted by Tesla for the Semi prime mover and Cybertruck ute, both of which are said to be capable of up to 1000V.

Rheinmetall’s bulging order book, as well as the way it is investing R&D budgets, are big signals as to the way the truck industry is going, which includes hydrogen as part of the mix.

Their company has also showcased a “plug-and-play” heat pump that can be seamlessly integrated into new or existing vehicle platforms.

As well as addressing escalating demand for thermal management in electrified, vehicles this innovation helps simplify cooling systems by reducing the number of components.

Specifically designed for precision conditioning of the battery and electric motor as well as precise cabin climate control, this simplified and fully assembled heat pump offers intelligent thermal management in a compact package that optimises installation space while extending battery life and range.

Compatible with both 400- and newer 800-volt applications, the system delivers up to 8kW of cooling output and up to 11kW of heating for battery-powered and hybrid systems, where it has already demonstrated its success in various applications, including commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and boats.

Rheinmetall has already integrated the plug-and-play heat pump into a hydrogen-powered truck, where precise conditioning of the fuel cells is essential in preventing performance degradation in extreme temperatures.

This groundbreaking deal not only expands the scope of applications for Rheinmetall heat pump technology but also marks a significant entry into the hydrogen drivetrain market.

Europe’s truck sector is facing climate legislation that mandates a 15 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2025 and at least a 30 per cent cut by 2030, with penalties for failure to meet these targets

The European truck industry has also set an ambitious objective to completely phase out fossil fuels by 2040.

Against this backdrop, the market for fuel cells, electromobility and associated thermal management expertise holds immense potential. 

Rheinmetall’s pursuit of this market shows how suppliers are pushing the boundaries and embracing emerging technologies, as well as providing the rest of us with a window into the size of the change – and opportunity – that lies ahead.