Schaeffler advancing in e-mobility markets

Schaeffler’s electric motors for hybrid modules, hybrid transmissions and all-electric axle drives cover a wide spectrum of applications from 20 to more than 300 kW.

Three years ago, Schaeffler AG made the strategic decision to create a specific business division for electric mobility. Now the Herzogenaurach, Germany-headquartered company has announced the start of mass production for multiple products across all in the electric mobility area.

“We have successfully transformed ourselves into a drive system supplier for sustainable electric mobility solutions and established ourselves as a reliable partner for our customers,” said Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG. “We have been engaged with electric mobility for more than 20 years and we understand the drive train requirements. Our innovation capacity as a global automotive and industrial supplier plus our strong industrial skills make us a preferred partner for our customers.”

Over the last few years, Schaeffler said it has progressively strengthened its electric mobility expertise through a series of targeted acquisitions. The purchase of Elmotec Statomat at the end of 2018 added new expertise in winding technology, providing Schaeffler with capability in all aspects of electric motor industrialization. Another key acquisition was the 2016 takeover of Compact Dynamics, a specialist in the development of advanced electric drive concepts. At the same time, the Schaeffler Paravan Technologie joint venture is active in development of steer-by-wire driving system, a key technology for autonomous vehicle operation.

Mass production across all electrification levels

Schaeffler said it now supplies technologies for all electrified drivetrain markets. Mass production of the electric axle transmission, a key component of electric axle systems in passenger

Schaeffler’s dedicated hybrid transmissions can deliver system ratings of up to 120 kW.

vehicles, has been running successfully since 2017. Schaeffler said it has also secured multiple orders for its complete “3 in 1” electric axles, which combine the electric motor, drive unit and power electronics in a single system.

Electric motors now in mass production

This year will see the start of the mass production of hybrid modules, hybrid drive units and all-electric axle transmissions. The basis of Schaeffler’s electric motor production is a modular, highly integrated technology platform at voltages from 48 to 880 V and outputs from 15 to more than 300 kW.

Along with a series of mass production orders for electric motors in the passenger car sector, Schaeffler has recently reached another milestone by entering the heavy-duty applications segment for commercial vehicles. Schaeffler has announced a mass production order for electric motors incorporating its wave winding technology engineered to provide high power density as well as advantages during assembly.

All of Schaeffler’s e-mobility products are currently produced in Europe, but the company said it is planning to add production at its Wooster, Ohio, North American E-mobility Center of Competence in the near future

“We are making excellent progress,” said Dr. Jochen Schröder, President of the E-Mobility business division. “Our modular product portfolio enables us to offer customized volume-production solutions to meet any customer requirement.”