WABCO showcases Hybrid/EV air compressor technology at IAA Show

WABCO announced that its e-comp™ technology is now adopted in road trials by more than 25 truck and bus manufacturers in Europe, North America and Asia. WABCO’s e-comp, an electrically driven air compressor that is specifically engineered for hybrid and pure electric vehicles, is being increasingly deployed as a solution for inner city and zero-or low-emission zones. The announcement was made at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2014 in Hanover, Germany.

WABCO’s e-comp is equipped with its own electric motor and operates independently from the vehicle’s internal combustion engine to deliver an optimum supply of compressed air for hybrid and pure electric drivelines. Furthermore, the e-comp’s universal design is suitable for a wide range of truck and bus applications worldwide.

The first e-comp in Europe is currently operating in Berlin, Germany, on a pure electric tractor for a gross combination weight of 40 tons. Supported by the federal government, this project involves fully electric transport of goods from Berlin’s western port to various destinations within the city, thereby, helping to reduce the environmental impact of heavy haul transport in a densely populated metropolitan area.

In China, e-comp trials are in progress at numerous truck and bus manufacturers of so-called new energy vehicles, including pure electric buses.

“WABCO continues to demonstrate an unmatched ability to anticipate the safety and efficiency needs for tomorrow’s commercial vehicles in different regions of the world,” said Leon Liu, WABCO President, Truck, Bus & Car Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Division. “As governments strive to lower emissions in urban areas and megacities, WABCO offers commercial vehicle manufacturers and operators cost efficient technologies that help enable zero- or low-emission heavy haul transport of goods and people. WABCO’s e-comp is a proven and cost-effective air compressor solution for hybrid and pure electric vehicles.”

WABCO’s energy-efficient e-comp is simple to install independent of a vehicle’s engine and easy to maintain. In addition, WABCO’s e-comp helps to improve commercial vehicle driver comfort by reducing noise and vibrations.