RE:Exro's NDA Partner in Brazil: WEG (the refs in this link are in error)
I had previously suggested that the Brazilian NDA could be Eletra for the reasons given at link. What convinced me most was that Eletra had received a contract from Brazilian beverage giant AMBEV for the conversion of 102 ICE delivery trucks to electric, and the NDA activity with EXRO involved a retrofit.
Eletra is part of a consortium led by Volkswagen Caminhes e nibus (VWCO), a VW Traton subsidiary that previously was called VW Truck and Bus, that is based in Brazil and produces the eDelivery truck.
VWCO previous received an order from AMBEV for 1600 electric trucks. Electra, in consort with Brazilian motor supplier WEB, designed and provided the electric powerdrive. Eletra since has developed a stong business relationship with WEG which recently included a WEG motor in 20 electric buses built by Eletra. So it is likely that the motor to be used in the retrofits also is a WEG motor.
There is another possibility. AMBEV also contracted with Brazilian manufacturer FNM for 1000 etrucks. The powerdrive supplier for FNN was Danfoss. The configuration offered by Danfoss was similar to, if not identical to, the same fitment that Danfoss was originally providing for the Vicinity Lightning bus.
So it is possible, though less likely, that Eletra is using a Danfoss motor for the retrofit. All speculation of course. We should find out soon.
Meritor also is part of the VWCO consortium and is providing the 12X axle for the eDelivery truck. Meritor subsequently developed an eaxle called the 12Xe and made a concerted effort to get this product into the Brazilian truck market. It then developed another eaxle (17Xe) in partnership with Danfoss as part of the EPIC consortium for use in Class 7/8 electric trucks. Meritor was subsequently bought by Cummins, a large engine manufacturer.
I have come to the conclusion through my research that the automotive industry is an incredibly incestuous group. It seems that every manufacturer is in bed with someone else, either through partnering or ownership. And these relationships can change overnight. You never know whose skivies or knickers you are going to find on the bedpost in the morning.