FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. announced it has acquired a majority share in ELEO Technologies B.V., a battery technology company based in Helmond, the Netherlands. By integrating ELEO’s advanced, scalable, and modular battery technology, Yanmar said it will further its electrified powertrain capabilities with customized solutions for off-road applications.
After joining the Yanmar Group as part of Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., ELEO will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity under its own brand at its current location in Helmond, the Netherlands.
Founded in 2017, ELEO Technologies develops and produces advanced modular battery packs which are differentiated by their proprietary battery management system (BMS) and thermal management technologies. The company is near completion with a new advanced production facility that will increase its annual battery production capacity to 500 MWh, equivalent to approximately 10,000 battery packs.
The new battery production plant covers an area of 3000 m2 – with the possibility to expand to 4,000 m2 – and incorporates a fully automated battery assembly process and cleanroom. To remain on the forefront of the industry, ELEO said the facility will house high-tech R&D labs to further develop the battery technology. There is also room for various test facilities, paddocks, assembly, and warehousing. The building will run on renewable energy thanks to the large solar array on the rooftop.
Source: New Power Progress
PSR Analysis: ELEO’s battery management system (BMS) and modular battery units will contribute significantly to the electrification of Yanmar’s off-road equipment.
Yanmar is a leading power equipment company with a broad product lineup spanning multiple segments, including agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and marine equipment, and their Maibara R&D Center is a center for electrification, fuel cells, low fuel consumption, clean and alternative energy technologies, and the reliability and electronic they have already been engaging basic research and development of control technology.
The electrification of off-road equipment is a different challenge from that of on-road equipment. Basically, longer run time and much higher output are often required for off-road applications than for on-road equipment.
Developing electrified products that meet the more difficult demands of the market is a major challenge and bringing in a start-up company with high expertise and technology in the key component, the battery, seems quite appropriate. With this acquisition, Yanmar will further accelerate the development of electric products. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research
