Bosch Rexroth: a platform for electrifying mobile working machines

As an end-to-end high-voltage portfolio, eLION includes a full range of electric motor-generators, inverters and accessories as well as tailored gearboxes, hydraulics and software.

Bosch Rexroth is expanding its capabilities in the off-highway segment. Under the name eLION, the company is presenting its wide range of 700 V components for the electrification of mobile working machines. 

Machine manufacturers from all sectors have recognized that electric drives are an important building block for a future-viable, sustainable product portfolio. In order to support and encourage the electrification of off-highway machines, Bosch Rexroth is now presenting eLION, its comprehensive range of components for electrifying mobile working machines, as announced at bauma 2019. At the official launch of eLION during a trade conference in Ulm in September 2021, Matthias Kielbassa, Vice President Electrification, presented the portfolio of components. In his presentation, he emphasized the three most important properties of the new product platform: scalability, robustness and functional safety.

The electric 700 V eLION motor-generators from Bosch Rexroth cover a nominal power range from 20 to 200 kW (peak power up to 400 kW) and deliver nominal torques of up to 1050 Nm and maximum torque of up to 2400 Nm. They are available in four sizes with different lengths and winding configurations and, depending on the design, in a fast or standard-speed version. Over 80 configurations are possible, which means maximum design freedom for manufacturers when electrifying existing and new vehicle architectures.

To go with the range of motors, eLION also offers inverters in various power classes with up to 300 A continuous current and high overload capacity. The inverters support DC bus voltages from 400 to 850 V. Gearboxes with high power density for hub and central drive configurations (eGFT and eGFZ) are also part of the eLION portfolio and allow compact drive units for a wide range of applications. BODAS software modules are available for the entire eLION platform, along with matching hydraulic components such as axial piston pumps.

Other electrical components such as DC/DC converters, power distribution units, on-board chargers and high-voltage cables round off the range. As a result, manufacturers can rely on integrated solutions, irrespective of the energy source (e.g. hybrid or battery).

According to Kielbassa, the eLION developers rely on the company’s own experience with electrical industry solutions and its comprehensive knowledge of the mobile working machine sector throughout the development process. On top of this, they take advantage of Bosch’s wealth of expertise when it comes to electric mobility. Because all components are newly developed, there is no need for compromises in light of the harsh off-highway operating conditions. The eLION motor-generators and inverters are highly robust: both comply with the IP6K9K ingress protection requirements and can be used at a temperature range between -40 °C and 85 °C. The maximum temperature for the motor-generators is as high as 100 °C. The shock and vibration resistance of the eLION components is up to 50 g for shock and 10 g for vibration. A particular focus during product development was on functional and electrical safety. Manufacturers and users benefit from inverter safety functions in accordance with ISO 13849.

During pilot projects, OEMs such as Kalmar or Sennebogen have already gained positive experiences with eLION from Bosch Rexroth. Kielbassa is therefore looking forward to the market launch of the eLION platform which is due to take place in 2022. “The aim is to use our technology to create a future with higher efficiency, lower noise emissions and less air pollution. We have the right products at the right time and we’re also helping our customers to strengthen their market position with future-viable mobile working machines.”