The Schaeffler Group may soon be as important to innovation in the green vehicle market as Toyota, Ford and Tesla. This German-based auto parts designer offers engine components as well as bearings through its INA and FAG labels. Schaeffler’s subsidiary LuK works with automakers to design continuously variable transmissions, clutches and dampers for fuel-efficient vehicles. The Smart Performance Program through Schaeffler consults with manufacturers to improve energy efficiency through better machinery. Lessons from these three elements within the Schaeffler Group will be used in the “Schaeffler Hybrid” demo vehicle.
This demonstration hybrid looks basic enough with an electric motor, gas engine, two wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Representatives of the Schaeffler Group point out that the “hybrid” is not intended for mass production but testing purposes. The “Schaeffler Hybrid” will be used by the company to determine means of improving fuel efficiency in new hybrid and electric vehicles. This hybrid is unlike others in that each component can be shut down or started to test out different drive system configurations.
Schaeffler wants to use the hybrid to determine how new vehicles can boost fuel economy ratings in future generations. The company can shut down the wheel motors and electric motors in this demo vehicle to test out traditional vehicle configurations. Schaeffler researchers can turn off the gas engine and engage two 50kW eWheel Drive wheel motors and the electric motor. The “Schaeffler Hybrid” can be powered by both the 16kWh lithium-ion battery as well as the gas engine to assess range-extended technology. The demo vehicle also includes an external charging point that can help Schaeffler simulate plug-in hybrid and electric models.
“The Schaeffler Hybrid” is not a new model but a chameleon that will be used to assume the designs of dozens of green vehicle models. Schaeffler is positioning itself as a leader in independent automotive research useful to automakers around the world. Research reports emerging from tests of the “The Schaeffler Hybrid” will shape R&D work toward the next generation of hybrids and electric vehicles. Instead of focusing on a single component, Schaeffler is demonstrating that each part is critical when thinking of greener drive systems. We may not find this demo vehicle as compelling as the latest from Lexus or Toyota but it is a necessary step toward fully eco-friendly vehicles.
