Rheinmetall to supply contactors to German automaker’s new vehicle platform

Rheinmetall, a Düsseldorf-based technology group, has received a contract worth over €250 million from an unnamed German automaker.

Under the contract, Rheinmetall will equip the automaker’s new 900-volt generation of electrically powered vehicles with new switchgear contactors beginning in 2025.

Contactors are said to make switching electric vehicles on and off safe and assure riskless operation.

Rheinmetall said: “The new 900V technology will substantially improve the efficiency of the next generation of battery-powered vehicles, by enabling faster charging and enhanced range.

“This will make the 900V class the standard for future electric vehicles.”

Rheinmetall to supply contactors to German automaker’s new vehicle platform. Photo courtesy of Rheinmetall AG.

The new product platform of the German automobile company is said to have low contact resistances ensuring low power losses.

The contactors are said to minimize manufacturing costs as they operate without volatile quenching gases.

According to Rheinmetall, the contactors will have longer lifetimes, higher operating temperatures, and a lower risk of bursting.

Recently, Rheinmetall signed a deal to acquire Spainish ammunition maker Expal Systems from MaxamCorp. Holding for an enterprise value of €1.2 billion.