French battery expert Forsee Power announced that BAE Systems, a leading solution provider for heavy-duty electric powertrains, will equip a Class 7 demonstration truck Gen3 powertrain with the FORSEE ZEN PLUS battery system in North America. Forsee Power is already present in North America with HQs and production facility located in Columbus, Ohio.

BAE Systems provides zero-emission powertrains to vehicle manufacturers. They offer a wide range of solutions, from 100% battery to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion to enable full zero-emission operation in medium and heavy-duty vehicles. BAE Systems’ Gen3 electric drive powers low- and zero-emission platforms on land and sea, including battery electric, fuel cell, and hybrid electric vehicles.

The Forsee Power battery system, composed of 3 packs of the ZEN 77 PLUS, provides 231 kWh for an average range of 200 EV miles. The French company partners with the largest number of bus manufacturers and has already equipped more than 3,000 buses worldwide. Forsee Power is also active in the electric truck sector.

Forsee Power’s ZEN PLUS battery system

ZEN PLUS is the first battery system for commercial vehicles to be available in a common format at several system voltages (including 650V and 800V, two of the more common intervals). This makes it easy for driveline integrators like BAE Systems to adopt new power conversion strategies without affecting the mechanical integration of the battery system – an enabling capability in a fast-evolving market.

“We are proud to collaborate with BAE Systems in the United States, with whom we share a common vision for sustainable, zero-emission transport. The electric truck market in the U.S. – and in the Americas in general – is the fastest growing in the world; from 3,000 units sold in 2022, it will grow to 70,000 in 2023. Class 7 trucks represent an ideal case for conversion to 100% battery powertrains. Our ZEN PLUS batteries will be manufactured in Columbus, Ohio from early 2024, where we will produce Buy America compliant battery systems to the commercial vehicle market” explained Jay Deis, Vice President North America at Forsee Power.

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