Danfoss Power Solutions has announced the production launch of its Editron ED3 onboard charger and electric power take-off (ePTO). Initially designed for on-highway applications it is currently in use in Volvo electric trucks.

The charger has been standardised with communication protocols, software, and documentation for off-highway applications. It enables rapid overnight and opportunity charging for heavy-duty electric machinery using AC chargers. Its three-in-one functionality incorporates AC charger, DC ePTO, and AC ePTO, engineered to reduce complexity and streamline machine design and integration.

The ED3 can deliver up to 44 kW of power to a machine’s main high-voltage battery – said to be the highest AC charging power currently available, halving charging time and reducing machine downtime. This enables heavy-duty electric vehicles to be charged overnight using AC chargers and helps minimise charging infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for more expensive DC chargers.

The device draws power directly from the main high-voltage battery to provide up to 44 kW of DC power to auxiliaries, such as high-voltage compressors, pumps, and motor controllers. The ED3 can also convert power and deliver up to 43.6 kVA of single- or three-phase current to create an AC microgrid for plug-in functions in the field. The electrified PTO decouples auxiliary functions from the vehicle’s driveline and frees space on the vehicle chassis for batteries and other components, easing installation. ePTOs also minimise mechanical losses, resulting in higher efficiency.

The versatility of the Editron ED3 provides OEMs with flexibility in designing vehicle system architectures.

Suitable for a variety of applications, the device enables standardisation of components across machine platforms. As a compact three-in-one unit, the ED3 reduces the number of high-voltage components and cables needed, providing space and weight advantages, and saving costs. In addition, its versatile design provides flexibility in designing vehicle system architectures.

The Editron ED3 onboard charger and ePTO is suitable for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and off-highway machinery such as excavators, large tonnage tractors, wheel loaders. It can also be used for machinery used in areas where high-voltage DC charging is uncommon or not practical. The ED3 supports a range of global grid voltages, enabling broad deployment.