Bosch is working toward the launch of the eCityTruck, an electrical powertrain for delivery vehicles, particularly those used for last-mile deliveries from distribution centers to recipients. The stop-and-go traffic that often takes place within ecommerce deliveries is an area where electric vehicles are particularly efficient, because they can recuperate the energy from constant braking, which increases their range. Most delivery routes amount to less than 80 kilometers a day, a distance that can easily be covered on a single battery charge. Fleets can then be recharged overnight at the depot.
The eCityTruck powertrain concept combines multiple components such as an electric motor and power electronics into one unit. According to Bosch, this integration economises on parts, making the powertrain more efficient and affordable for automakers and enable them to bring vehicles to market quickly.
There are two versions of Bosch’s eCityTruck powertrain: one with a transmission and one without. The powertrain solutions can be scaled for light commercial vehicles weighing from two to 7.5 metric tons. The first vehicles to feature the new electric powertrain will be launched in Germany in 2019.
Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, said: “Bosch’s electrical powertrain for commercial vehicles has the potential to change the face of urban delivery traffic. We’re getting electric vans ready for the mass market.”
