Marelli launched its new range of multipurpose smart actuators aimed at electric cars, that are designed to simplify the actuation of complex vehicle functions. As future cars are expected to include more than 100 actuators with different missions and purposes, this solution will help carmakers to reduce complexity and ease the integration in vehicles’ mechanic and electronic environments, the company said.

Marelli’s new smart actuators include an electronic module that autonomously controls the actuator itself and connects it to the vehicle electronic network. The device has a flexible, modular and scalable mechanical design, to fit complex vehicle electronics and transmission configurations, and a software management designed for easy integration. The overall solution allows customization and installation within the vehicle, has a super compact size, is lightweight, features on board diagnostics and is cybersecurity ready, Marelli said.

The company offers multipurpose actuators for hybrid and full electric vehicles transmission control, which have applications in systems such as park lock, disconnect clutches, shift by wire and two-speeds actuators. It also develops actuators for battery electric vehicles thermal management, resulting from the combination of Marelli’s competences in both propulsion and thermal solutions areas, the company said.

Marelli said its focus is on high-end actuators where challenging performances and features are required, such as high safety relevance and cyber security, precise and fast operations and use in severe environments. These new solutions for electric vehicles add to the production of actuators manufactured each year by the company to drive turbochargers, manage engine intake and drive gearboxes in internal combustion engines.

The new smart actuators are being presented for the first time at booth #2219 in The Battery Show 2023 taking place in Novi, Michigan, from Sept. 12 to 14, 2023.

At the event, Marelli is also showcasing its integrated Thermal Management Module (iTMM) for electric vehicles, which allows the efficient combination of the cabin, battery and e-powertrain thermal systems into one single component, to achieve a more efficient thermal management, the company said. The main advantages include reduced complexity, simpler assembly and competitive system costs.