embracing emobility Oetiker

embrAcing emobility

Oetiker, the leading manufacturer of clamps and connecting solutions for the automotive sector with production facilities around the globe, is ready to step into the future. Within its growth strategy, the company is focusing on eMobility and the move towards a new automotive ecosystem.

Oetiker, the family-owned business founded in Horgen, Switzerland, has grown into a multinational group with 14 manufacturing facilities and local presence in 31 countries on three continents.

Proven on more than 90 million vehicles annually and featured on virtually every vehicle manufactured, the reliability of Oetiker products has driven the company to the “go to” position for connecting solutions which help to ensure the reliability of mission-critical components in vehicles and industrial applications.

Reflecting the trend

The development of electric-powered drivetrains is shifting vehicle design away from fossil fuels and carbon gas emissions. As a trusted leader in connecting solutions for the automotive industry, the Oetiker Group provides the same high-quality connections for mission-critical Electric Vehicle applications.

“CO2 emission regulations and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption are key drivers of the strong trend towards powertrain electrification (eMobility). With over 75 years of experience in connecting solutions, we are well positioned to provide and develop solutions to the challenges faced with alternative propulsion systems e.g. weight and space constraints and cost-efficiency,” said Andreas Ring, Global Product Marketing Manager.

“The upcoming requirements are not totally new to us,” he acknowledged. “We understand the complexities involved in seamlessly integrating connecting solutions into multi-material lines (desired for Battery Electric Vehicles). We have the relationships to work alongside our customers, to co-develop with them. We provide connecting and assembly solutions for both Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) that meet all of their complex requirements.”

Digital development

The shift towards autonomous vehicles, digitalisation and electrification requires modifications to existing production capacity as well as the introduction of new production technologies.

“We observe various new connection needs and requirements within existing connections. We are investing and developing new technologies including alternative materials, concepts and assembly solutions to serve our customers’ unique needs,” noted Mr Ring.

“When it comes to digitalization, cooling and heating in 5G data centres and supercomputers are an interesting challenge for which we are developing solutions. These are the ‘engines’ driving the next wave of digitalization, especially when it comes to the use of Internet of Things (IoT) in production centres.”

SPECIMEN

He affirmed that the company already has assembly solutions which allow them to connect into their customers’ IoT. “These specialised tools ensure reliable connections by monitoring the closing parameters and giving feedback if the closure was within the tolerance range or not. There is a high level of reproducibility and traceability, very important to our customers. But we expect to develop even more sophisticated solutions as the technologies continue to advance.”

New solutions

In the area of eMobility, five or six alternative propulsion systems such as 48V, Full-hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, BEV and Fuel-cells are moving in parallel, and Oetiker provides connecting solutions for all of them.

“We are able to customise our products to fulfil the unique customer needs of eMobility. You already see our products with new features used in applications in EV. At the same time new developments of clamps, rings and quick connectors are ongoing to serve applications not only in the vehicle but also in the world of EV infrastructure. Of course, we strive to offer simple and safe assembly with process monitoring to provide peace of mind that missioncritical components are reliably connected.”

Mr Ring explained that on-board motor and e-Axle are the main technology streams in the drivetrain for BEV and PHEV. “Immediate torques put higher performance and space requirements to shafts, boots and clamps. The available space around the rotating boots remains restricted. Ultra-flat designs such as Oetiker’s Low Profile Clamps or Multi-Crimp Rings (MCRs) are the most suitable solutions,” he acknowledged.

moving forward in partnerships

In view of expected growing demand, the company commissioned a new plant in Poland last year which now produces MCRs used in various applications within eMobility. “We strongly believe that there will be more and more parts for EV produced in Poland in the near future. Today, we see the trend growing quickly in China, North America and Western Europe, particularly in Germany, with Eastern Europe and the emerging markets soon to follow without a doubt,” said Mr Ring.

“We will continue to focus on eMobility and the move towards a new automotive ecosystem by providing reliable connecting solutions for our customers. New developments in clamps, rings, and quick connectors to address the applications in eMobility are underway, and new products will be launched in the coming years.”

Oetiker’s strategic approach to dealing with the current disruption is supporting its customers to build the tailored solutions that they need. “We work in close cooperation with our customers to co-develop and have had much success with this approach. We will only further intensify such activities in the future,” affirmed Mr Ring in concluding. n