MANN-FILTER has showcased its latest filtration solutions for electric commercial vehicles at Automechanika, focusing on products designed to support the cooling and lubrication requirements of modern e-axles.
The growing electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is creating new maintenance and servicing requirements for the independent aftermarket. E-axles integrate the electric motor, power electronics and transmission into a closely connected system, making effective filtration essential for maintaining efficiency, reliability and operational safety.
As the premium aftermarket brand of filtration specialist MANN+HUMMEL, MANN-FILTER offers specialised solutions for electric commercial vehicles. The company has developed several filters that are already supplied as original-equipment products and are now also available in the independent aftermarket.
Among these are the MANN-FILTER HU 6035 x and HU 7052 x filters, designed for the cooling and lubrication circuits of the e-axle used in the new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric truck.
Filtration for Electric Motor and Power Electronics
The e-axle uses different oils for different functions. While one oil is responsible for lubricating and cooling the transmission, another primarily cools the electric motor and power electronics. Maintaining a high level of oil cleanliness is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term performance and durability of these components.
Two HU 7052 x filters are installed in the eActros 600. They are designed to remove particles, wear debris and ageing residues from the cooling and lubrication oil used by the electric motor and power electronics.
By effectively filtering these contaminants, the filters are intended to reduce the risk of unplanned breakdowns while improving the reliability, efficiency and service life of the e-axle.
Integrated Bypass Valve Maintains Oil Flow
The MANN-FILTER HU 7052 x incorporates an integrated bypass valve designed to maintain oil circulation if the filter element becomes blocked.
When necessary, the valve opens to allow oil to bypass the filter element, ensuring continued lubrication and heat transfer to critical components. The system is also designed to respond during cold starts, when increased oil viscosity can make it more difficult for the lubricant to pass through the filter medium.
“Unfiltered oil is still better than none at all,” said Daniela Knodel, Product Portfolio Manager at MANN+HUMMEL. “Our bypass valves work very precisely: they only open when and for as long as necessary. Especially in the commercial vehicle sector, constant flow and reliable lubrication are crucial for the functionality of the e-axle.”
Dedicated Filtration for E-Axle Transmissions
The transmission within an e-axle is also exposed to significant mechanical loads. High forces acting on the gear teeth can generate metallic wear particles, which need to be continuously removed to minimise further abrasion and extend component life.
MANN-FILTER has developed the HU 6035 x specifically for the requirements of transmissions used in modern e-axles.
“This is precisely why we developed our MANN-FILTER HU 6035 x, which is specifically designed to meet the requirements of transmissions in modern e-axles. In addition, it is completely metal-free and can be recycled in a resource-efficient way,” Knodel explained.
MULTIGRADE O-eM 50 Filter Medium
Both the HU 7052 x and HU 6035 x use MANN+HUMMEL’s MULTIGRADE O-eM 50 filter medium, which has been developed specifically for the operating conditions of oils used in e-axles.
The fully synthetic filter medium is designed to deliver significantly lower pressure losses than conventional cellulose-based media, particularly at low temperatures. Lower differential pressure also reduces the frequency and duration of bypass-valve activation, allowing more filtered oil to reach critical lubrication points.
According to MANN-FILTER, the reduced pressure losses can also lower the energy requirement of the overall system and potentially contribute positively to the driving range of electric commercial vehicles.
The synthetic medium additionally offers high chemical resistance against embrittlement throughout its service life, supporting the longer service intervals specified by vehicle manufacturers. Its high water resistance means that the filter maintains its structure and functionality even in the event of water ingress.
The filters achieve a separation efficiency of 99.5% for particles measuring 50 micrometres. For comparison, a human hair typically measures around 50-100 micrometres in diameter.
Supporting the Electrification of Commercial Vehicles
With the introduction of the HU 6035 x and HU 7052 x to the independent aftermarket, MANN-FILTER aims to provide workshops and fleet operators with filtration solutions specifically designed for the demands of electric commercial vehicle powertrains.
As the commercial vehicle industry moves increasingly towards electrification, technologies such as e-axles are becoming more widespread. Reliable filtration of their cooling and lubrication circuits will therefore play an increasingly important role in maintaining efficiency, durability and uptime.
MANN-FILTER’s latest products are designed to address these requirements while helping workshops and fleet operators maintain the long-term reliability and performance of electric commercial vehicles.
