At Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, SPAL Group unveiled a comprehensive range of next-generation thermal management solutions aimed at electric and hybrid buses. Among the key exhibits were high-voltage brushless fans, air-cooled instead of liquid-cooled, and advanced coolant pumps designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of zero-emission vehicles.
According to Paolo Guidetti, Relationship & Commercial Relations Vice President, SPAL Group, the company’s focus is on improving overall vehicle performance through better energy efficiency, lower maintenance, and extended product life. “We don’t sell fans, we sell solutions,” Paolo explained. “Our goal is to work closely with the customer to understand their real needs and provide systems that lower operational costs over time.”
New Product Highlights
The star attraction at SPAL’s booth was its high-voltage brushless fans capable of operating up to 800 volts and delivering up to 5 kW of power—all while using air cooling of motor instead of water. This innovation reduces the need for additional tubes, water lines, maintenance, making the product lighter and simplifying installation.
The company also show-cased its range of brushless fans and coolant pumps, available in 12V, 24V, 48V, and high-voltage variants. The coolant pumps are vital for regulating battery and motor temperatures in electric buses and trucks. A new generation of high-voltage fans and coolant pumps further reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for DC-DC converters.
“By making our fans and coolant pumps and high-voltage capable, we ensure the bus saves battery power for running,” Paolo said.
Building for the Electric Future
As cities worldwide transition from diesel and CNG to electric fleets, components like fans and blowers must meet higher standards for longevity and performance. SPAL’s brushless fan technology offers a lifespan of up to 40,000 hours; while keeping noise and energy consumption low.
Paolo noted that the trend in India today mirrors what happened in China a few years ago. “Most city buses are moving to electric power. Operators want low maintenance and long life because the total cost of ownership is now the deciding factor,” he said. “A fan that lasts longer and consumes less power directly adds to profitability.”
Expanding Manufacturing and R&D Footprint
SPAL invests about 7% of its annual turnover in research and development, with major R&D operations based in Italy. The company manufactures in Italy, China, and India, where it recently doubled its production capacity in Pune. In future SPAL will have a new greenfield facility in Pune to support the Indian market.
“In India, we produce mainly for domestic demand right now,” Paolo explained. “But we are expanding. India will soon be a major base for both brush and brushless product lines.”
The group also plans to establish a new plant in the United States, creating a balanced global manufacturing network across Italy, China, India, and the US.
Shifting Market Dynamics
Discussing changing customer preferences, Paolo observed that India’s bus market has evolved significantly since 2017. “Before, everyone asked for the cheapest product. Now they ask for quality and reliability. Electrification has changed the mindset completely,” he said.
Fleet operators today understand that downtime and frequent replacements add up quickly. SPAL’s brush-type fans, lasting up to 20,000 hours, already perform well, but the company sees growing demand for brushless variants that double the lifespan.
Paolo also highlighted the importance of the aftermarket segment, where operators increasingly prefer original replacement components to maintain quality and ensure performance. “It’s like using the right spare in your washing machine,” he laughed. “If you fit the wrong part, it might work for a few days, but soon you’ll have bigger problems.”
Materials and Manufacturing Excellence
SPAL’s products use premium-grade plastics and electronic components sourced from trusted global brands. All electronics are assembled in-house to maintain quality control. “We don’t buy from unverified sources. Every component is checked by our R&D teams in Italy,” Paolo emphasized. “This is how we guarantee 40,000 hours of life; through premium materials and consistent quality.”
A privately owned family business founded in 1959, SPAL continues to enjoy steady double-digit growth. The company’s turnover in Italy alone exceeds €300 million, with additional strong revenues from Asia, the United States, and Europe. “We don’t depend on one region; we depend on applications,” Paolo clarified. “That makes us stable and diversified.”
Cooling the Future
Beyond buses and trucks, SPAL’s fans and pumps are now finding applications in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data center cooling, areas with growing demand for efficient heat management.
Paolo summed it up succinctly: “Wherever there’s electrification, there’s a need for smart cooling. From buses to data centers, SPAL is ready with reliable, energy-efficient solutions.”
As Busworld 2025 demonstrated, SPAL’s strategy is clear; innovate for efficiency, localize production where demand grows, and stay close to customers to design solutions that keep vehicles running longer and cleaner.