Urban mobility: The MAHLE 48-volt vehicle concept MEET

MEET is systematically aligned to the needs of urban mobility. The concept combines maximum efficiency, individual comfort, driving pleasure - and is still affordable.

◾Maximum efficiency: seven days in day-to-day city traffic without charging
◾Comfortable: individual comfort zones implemented at less cost to the environment
◾Driving pleasure: agile and networked through the city
◾Affordable: 25 percent lower costs in the powertrain

Efficient and highly integrated - MAHLE twin-power drive unit.

MEET makes use of the new MAHLE 48-volt twin-power drive unit. It combines two electric motors, the transmission, and a 48-volt electronics system. The MAHLE IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) traction drive provides maximum efficiency and dynamics in a wide speed range. The MEET demonstrator vehicle initially contained a MAHLE drive unit comprising two motors each with 14 kilowatts of mechanical continuous output and 36 newton meters of torque. At the IAA we are demonstrating the next evolutionary step with 20 kilowatts of continuous output and 80 newton meters of torque per motor. The motors drive the rear wheels via a central transmission.

Go further comfortably - seven days with no need to charge.

In the urban application area, the technical focus of MEET is on maximum energy efficiency. The interaction of various energy-saving technologies in the fields of powertrain and thermal management increases efficiency and significantly extends the cruising range of the vehicle.

As in all vehicles with a purely electric powertrain, one of the biggest challenges with respect to energy storage is heating the interior, particularly in winter. Indeed, by eliminating local emissions, the system lacks the most important heat source - the combustion engine. As a result, any temperature-related output such as the heating of the heating air places a burden on the battery and therefore on the vehicleÂ’s cruising range.

Maximum efficiency without compromises—and even with improvements—in comfort are therefore a top priority in MEET. MAHLE achieves thermal efficiency through measures such as a thermoelectric heat pump and surface heaters with individual comfort zones in combination with dual-zoned air conditioning. As a result, MEET achieves up to seven days of inner city trips—with just one charge. Expressed in figures, innovative thermal management increases the cruising range by 5 percent in summer and by as much as 50 percent in winter.

Driving pleasure redefined - zippy, agile, intuitive.