Troy’s Valeo Debuts Electric Vehicle Advances at Chinese Auto Show

Valeo, a French automotive supplier with its North American headquarters in Troy, is exhibiting its newest electric vehicle technology this week at the Shanghai International Auto Show in China.
2035
Valeo
Valeo is exhibiting its new reversible charger and low-voltage all-electric urban vehicle prototype at the Shanghai International Auto Show. // Photo courtesy of Valeo

Valeo, a French automotive supplier with its North American headquarters in Troy, is exhibiting its newest electric vehicle technology this week at the Shanghai International Auto Show in China.

On the Valeo stand in Shanghai are the company’s new reversible charger and its low-voltage all-electric urban vehicle prototype.

The reversible charger enables vehicles to become links in the power grid. Developed in collaboration with the China’s Xcharge, this system makes it possible to send excess electricity back to the grid. The company says the innovation marks a major step forward for technologies designed to store electricity, especially power generated by low-emission systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.

The low-voltage (48 V) electric urban vehicle prototype is a fully functional, two-seater electric vehicle that can reach speeds of up to 62 mph or 100 km/h, with a range of 93 miles or 150 km. It can be charged via any power socket, offering an idea of what an affordable, compact vehicle that is adapted to urban mobility could look like in the future.

According to Valeo, the prototype offers major benefits for automakers and vehicle users. A reduction of around 10 percent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is achieved without major vehicle modification costs. To date, it is the most affordable way for automakers to add efficient hybrid capabilities to existing models, says the company.

Also at the Shanghai show, Valeo is displaying its all‑weather, all-season thermal and comfort solutions for electric vehicles, which are designed to optimize travel range. In addition, the company is showcasing a demonstration car that features a number of solutions to detect and protect the cabin from outside pollution.