The Schaeffler Group and ABT e-Line have agreed to form a strategic collaboration for the electrification of light commercial vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons. ABT e-Line is a 100% subsidiary of ABT Holding that, as a partner to VW Commercial Vehicles, has been commissioned to fully electrify light commercial vehicles.
Schaeffler Group plans to contribute its technological and management expertise to the partnership and will develop and supply technological solutions for the electric powertrain. In the initial phase, Schaeffler will be focusing together with VW and ABT on project management and on system supplier management.
Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of ABT Sportsline, said: “I am proud of the fact that we will soon be seeing the first electrified ABT vehicles on the road. Having Schaeffler as a strategic partner and thus having its technological expertise on board means we have a strong partnership to tackle the challenges of electrification.”
The objective of the collaboration between the Schaeffler Group and ABT e-Line is to develop more advanced electric powertrains and to integrate and incorporate them into vehicles, focusing on light commercial and special vehicles.
A further objective is to develop flexible mechatronic chassis solutions. In the medium term, the Schaeffler Group sees potential for further orders and for small and medium-sized production volumes in the commercial and special vehicle sectors.