The collaboration between Bavarian companies Schaeffler from Herzogenaurach and ABT e-Line from Kempten aims to develop more advanced electric powertrains and to integrate and incorporate them in vehicles, with the focus on light commercial and special vehicles. A further objective is to develop flexible mechatronic chassis solutions.

The collaboration will begin with the electrification of light commercial vehicles from the Volkswagen Group. ABT e-Line is a 100% subsidiary of ABT Holding that, as a premium partner to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has been commissioned to fully electrify light commercial vehicles, including the T6 and Caddy models; it also bears customer responsibility for the electric powertrain, including the warranty. The Schaeffler Group, which has been working in Formula E in partnership with ABT since 2014, will contribute its technological and – provided the subsequent cartel clearance is obtained – management expertise to the partnership, and will also develop and supply technological solutions for the electric powertrain. In the initial phase, the focus will be on project management – from concept through homologation – and system supplier management.