Rheinmetall joint venture wins first customer with multimillion-euro order for DC-link capacitors with forward-looking NanoLam technology
Rheinmetall PolyCharge GmbH, a collaboration between Rheinmetall AG and PolyCharge America, Inc., has successfully secured its inaugural order within just one year of its establishment. This significant order falls within the mid double-digit million euro range and comes from a prominent, globally recognized supplier to the automotive industry.
The customer has requested two distinct types of DC-link capacitors designed for applications operating at 900V, utilizing the cutting-edge NanoLam technology. Rheinmetall AG maintains a 75% ownership stake in this joint venture.
Initially booked in December 2022, the order encompasses both development services and the subsequent production of samples, which is set to begin in 2026 and will continue over several years. Through this achievement, Rheinmetall PolyCharge GmbH has successfully outperformed international competitors, leading to expectations of additional orders in the near future.
The innovative PolyCharge NanoLam technology allows for the creation of capacitors that are half the weight and size of traditional polypropylene alternatives. Furthermore, these capacitors can function at elevated temperatures, featuring an extremely thin dielectric polymer coating that enhances cooling, thermal stability, and power density. They are integral to the power electronics of electric vehicles, bringing substantial benefits in terms of size and weight.
Known as intermediate circuit capacitors, DC-link capacitors play a crucial role in stabilizing DC voltage and limiting fluctuations within a vehicle’s electrical system. Their applications extend beyond hybrid and electric vehicles to various industrial sectors, including voltage converters in wind energy and photovoltaic systems.
This new order marks a pivotal moment for Rheinmetall PolyCharge GmbH, setting in motion the start of full-scale production for the first time. The substantial initial order validates Rheinmetall’s transformative strategy, positioning the company as an innovative supplier of subsystems and components for the rapidly expanding markets of electromobility and other industrial sectors.
