Siemens localizes electric-drive systems production

Siemens localized production of its ELFA hybrid traction electric-drive systems to its manufacturing plant located in Alpharetta, Ga., a move that allows a quicker response to the production and service needs of its customers in North America, as well as meeting “Buy America” compliance.

The company has begun production of inverters, inductors and voltage protection modules this month, as well as the assembly of its electric drive systems within roof rack configurations for transit buses.

“We see continued growth in the bus transit and truck markets, as hybrid and all-electric drive technology incorporates many of the attributes that transit organizations and commercial fleets seek when looking to expand their fleets in a sustainable and cost-effective manner,” says Thomas Orberger, hybrid drives business manager for Siemens Drive Technologies Division.

Hybrid drives help reduce noise pollution and emissions, increase efficiency, lower energy consumption, increase vehicle range and lower lifecycle costs, according to Orberger,.

Siemens has a long history of developing hybrid and all-electric drive technology, delivering more than 1,500 power train systems worldwide, consisting of electric traction motors, generators, inverters, energy storage systems and controls with Siemens software.

The company’s GA400 location manufactures large traction drives used for transportation (light rail and heavy rail) and mining applications (trucks, shovels and draglines) as well as low voltage drives for the water/wastewater, paper and metals industries in the NAFTA market.