HORSE Initiates Power Electronics Box Production At Aveiro Plant
HORSE, a renowned name in the powertrain systems industry, has officially commenced production of its Power Electronics Box (PEB) at the company's facility located in Aveiro, Portugal. This pivotal component plays a crucial role in the functionality of hybrid vehicles, overseeing the operation of two electric motors within HORSE's hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. The newly designed PEB amalgamates power inversion, conversion, control, and cooling systems into a singular unit, significantly reducing the need for extensive wiring harnesses. The company has set an ambitious production target, aiming to manufacture 230,000 units annually by the year 2025.
The PEB stands out by integrating several essential systems into one compact unit. It includes a power inverter/converter that efficiently converts DC from the high-voltage battery into AC to power the electric motors. Additionally, a DC/DC converter is employed to transform high-voltage DC battery energy into low-voltage DC for various vehicle sub-systems. Control electronics are also incorporated to regulate power distribution in real-time based on the vehicle's velocity and acceleration, while integrated cooling mechanisms ensure the system operates efficiently without overheating.
Patrice Haettel, CEO of HORSE, expressed that initiating PEB production in Aveiro is a significant achievement for the company. It signifies HORSE's strategic shift towards manufacturing electronic components in Portugal. The innovative production methodologies adopted at the Aveiro plant are set to enhance production capabilities, enabling HORSE to supply advanced hybrid vehicle technologies to its global customer base. This move also underscores the company's dedication to embracing industry 4.0 principles and solidifying its standing in the low-carbon combustion and hybrid powertrain systems market.
The selection of Aveiro as the production site for the PEB was influenced by its outstanding industrial performance and commitment to sustainability projects aimed at minimizing its carbon footprint. Boasting over four decades of manufacturing prowess, the Aveiro facility is ideally suited for producing electronic components and serving as a hub for hybrid vehicle component manufacturing.
For the current year, HORSE anticipates that the Aveiro plant will produce 60,000 PEB units, with plans to ramp up production to 230,000 units by 2025. This expansion is supported by significant investments from HORSE, including transforming a former warehouse into a modern electronics manufacturing site and investing in staff training programs that incorporate ESD-safe environments and virtual reality simulations.
HORSE is globally recognized for supplying innovative power solutions and manufactures 3.2 million units annually for customers across the globe. The company prides itself on its focus on research and development (R&D) and leveraging advanced technology to meet the evolving power generation needs of the automotive industry among others. With eight manufacturing plants, three R&D centers, and its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, HORSE is committed to fostering a sustainable future through the development of efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions, and technologies.


