On a quest to delivering highest power in minimal time to heavy-duty electric vehicles, Stäubli Electrical Connectors recently offered “a transparent look” into its evolving collaboration with LEONI, detailing an informal yet highly synergistic exploration that it says has catalysed charging power advancements in the electric vehicle charging sector.
Stäubli states: “This dynamic engagement has transcended traditional partnership frameworks, focusing on an open exchange of expertise and resources. The integration of LEONI’s insight into the intricacies of cooled cables has been pivotal from the onset, allowing Stäubli to gain traction quickly in this complex area.”
“Together with LEONI we were able to deepen our knowledge and understand the complete system of cable and connector. With their extensive expertise on cooled-cables, LEONI helped us gain an edge and further develop our heavy-duty charging solutions. Now we are continuing technical exchanges for multiple projects and are proud to work with such an experienced company as LEONI,” reflected Mathieu Chaligné, Project Manager ACS at Stäubli, on the collaboration.
Stäubli Electrical Connectors and LEONI have conducted several test sessions at LEONI’s testing facility, including more than five rigorous test weeks for Stäubli’s next generation of the QCC automatic fast-charging connector. While both the QCC and MCS (Megawatt Charging System) are expected to be using similar technologies, the QCC allowed both companies to test values up to 5,000A.
They say that these sessions have been instrumental in refining the next QCC developments, ensuring it meets the stringent demands of mining equipment. Additionally, LEONI helped Stäubli in defining the best technical solution for MCS different charging power solutions.
“We at LEONI Charging & Power Solutions are always highly interested in future technologies and high-tech solutions to drive electrification in all areas. Especially in close cooperation, we can benefit from the in-depth expertise of both partners and develop sophisticated solutions for the upcoming all electric society. I am proud that we can support our customers not only with cables but also with testing and simulation services,” said Sebastian Goss, Head of Product Management DC/HPC at LEONI.
One additional round of tests is confirmed for the upcoming QCC-5000, after which Stäubli anticipates the inauguration of its own facility in Hésingue, France. Nonetheless, the technical dialogue between both companies will endure, underscoring a relationship that is both constructive and future-oriented.
Moreover, “both companies recognise that cables and connectors are inseparable when it comes to performance. Stäubli’s innovation, spurred by the partnership, has yielded an improved approach for integrating cooled cables with their MCS and QCC products. This holistic perspective ensures that as they develop individual components, the collective system’s integrity remains uncompromised.”
With a focus firmly placed on MCS products and refining the next-generation of QCC, Stäubli, and LEONI’s collaborative efforts they say promise to drive the industry forward, offering high-powered, rapid charging solutions tailored for a variety of heavy-duty electric vehicles. “Both companies look at the full scope, ensuring that cables and connectors are not only compatible but also optimised to exceed expectations.” Stäubli will release its latest QCC developments for the mining industry at MINExpo later this month.
