iVT-Expo 2025: KIEPE presents technologies for the electrification of special vehicles for road, mining and marine applications
- Reliable electric and smart hybrid traction systems for heavy-duty applications in freight transport
- World premiere of the KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI 3xx): functional safety in accordance with ISO 26262
- Potential 24/7 operation with high-power charging and In Motion Charging (IMC®)
- Modular k.Charger solutions for vehicle depots and on-route charging
Düsseldorf/Cologne, May 2025 - KIEPE, a leading provider of electric traction and charging systems, will be showcasing innovative technologies for demanding applications in the mining, marine and for the road (bus and trucks) market sectors at this year's iVT-Expo in Cologne (June 11/12, 2025). The focus is on high-performance systems for electric drives and charging heavy vehicles and related equipment - developed for maximum efficiency, reliability and sustainability. The iVT-Expo is a international trade fair for industrial vehicle technology.
"The decarbonization of energy-intensive industries such as mining, marine and logistics is one of the key challenges of our time. With our electric traction and charging systems, we offer a future-proof answer - efficient, robust and tried and tested technology," explains Alexander Ketterl, CEO of KIEPE. “Our systems make it possible to reliably electrify specialty vehicles - and with technologies that already meet the highest safety and quality standards.”
Technological milestones:
The new KIEPE Traction Inverter KTI 3xx celebrates its world premiere at the iVT-Expo. It is ASIL C (ISO 26262) certified and meets both railroad and automotive standards. The inverter is now available for synchronous and asynchronous motors: lightweight, efficient and ideal for battery-electric applications on road and rail.
KIEPE traction systems for heavy-duty applications are used, for example, in the Vossloh DE 18 and DE 18 SmartHybrid freight locomotives and in rail vehicles operated by the energy company LEAG. In the DE 18, the TU900 traction unit and the SmartHybrid container are supplied by KIEPE.
For continuous 24/7 operation, KIEPE offers the modular eVehicle High Power Charging (HPC) platform, which is designed for short charging cycles with up to 800 kW charging power. A second option is charging while the vehicle is in motion using the patented IMC® technology.
The portfolio is complemented by the new modular k.Charger charging systems, which enable a flexible and scalable charging infrastructure for depots and route sections.
With our highly experienced engineering team based in Düsseldorf, KIEPE supports vehicle and equipment manufacturers from system integration to validation and homologation - in a partnership-based, competent and future-oriented manner.
In detail:
KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI 3xx)
The latest generation KIEPE Traction Inverter - KTI 3xx - is the heart of modern electric drive systems for both road and rail. With an efficiency of up to 98% and a compact, easy-to-install design, the KTI offers maximum power density with low energy consumption. The inverter is suitable for both synchronous and asynchronous motors and meets the safety requirements of ASIL C (ISO 26262).This makes the KTI perfect for demanding traction applications in the mining and marine industries as well as for public transport and logistics.
Vossloh DE 18 SmartHybrid – a reference for SmartHybrid traction
The Vossloh DE 18 SmartHybrid locomotive is a prime example of the performance of KIEPE technology in the rail freight transport market. Equipped with a hybrid drive system that combines electric and diesel-based traction, it offers maximum flexibility with reduced emissions. The integration of the KIEPE Traction Inverter enables precise control and high energy efficiency - ideal for use in industry, port logistics and on non-electrified route sections. The DE 18 SmartHybrid can run purely on battery power for up to 1 hour emission-free.
eVehicle High Power Charging (HPC) Plattform – up to 800 kW charging power
KIEPE offers high-power charging solutions with charging capacities of up to 800 kW for the continuous around the clock operation of heavy vehicles. This technology enables extremely short charging time and can be used in both stationary and mobile applications. The eVehicle HPC platform from KIEPE consists of six different modules, which are offered individually or as a complete system: Traction, Auxiliaries, Charging Systems, Power Distribution, Battery Systems and Smart Fleet Management.
In Motion Charging (IMC®)
KIEPE's patented IMC® technology enables charging while driving - a key technology for the flexible and emission-free operation of electric vehicles that don’t have access to a continuous source of overhead line power. Vehicles can collect energy on sections equipped with overhead lines and store it in batteries that allow off-wire operation. Electric vehicles can be converted to an IMC-powered vehicle with just two components available from KIEPE.
k.Charger – modular charging systems for depots and routers
The k.Charger systems from KIEPE offer a scalable and modular charging infrastructure for electric commercial vehicles. Whether as a permanently installed depot solution or as a mobile unit in container format - k.Charger enables flexible integration into existing energy and operating structures. The systems are compatible with all common vehicle types and can be seamlessly integrated into charging and fleet management systems. Charging capacities from 80 to 800 kW cover a wide range of applications.
KIEPE, headquartered in Düsseldorf, is globally recognized for its efficient and environmentally sustainable electric equipment. Since 1906, the company has been providing solutions for trams, metros, regional trains, as well as electric buses within Motion Charging (IMC) and High Power Charging (HPC). In addition, KIEPE supplies charging systems for various applications.
