Schaeffler Discusses Flexible Solutions for Powertrain Electrification at the CTI Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electric Drives Symposium

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May 08, 2012, 01:43 ET

TROY, Mich., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To electrify drivetrains, it's necessary to find the right balance between effort and benefit. Criteria such as vehicle class and powertrain size (in terms of power and torque) are key elements in achieving appropriate electrification. Dr. Ralf Stopp, director of advanced development and marketing, eMobility Systems Division, Schaeffler, will discuss these factors and more during his presentation titled "Schaeffler eAxle: Flexible Solution to Electrify your Drivetrain" at Car Training Institute's "Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid & Electric Drives" Symposium held at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester Hills, Mich. from May 21 to 23.

"Depending on the extent of the electrification, a vehicle's electric environment can be customized using various voltages, which each have certain advantages and disadvantages," Stopp said. "This flexibility is a critical element in meeting requirements for evolving OEM applications. As an example, Schaeffler's eDifferential system provides a baseline concept that includes an electric motor combined with a reduction gear. Since the concept is modular, it can be adapted using various motors or planetary gear sets to achieve changing needs."

During his presentation, Stopp will discuss the importance of drivetrain flexibility when developing alternative drive concepts. According to Stopp, a flexible design provides OEMs with the ability to transfer parts and experience from former applications to new applications as electrification further evolves the drivetrain. Using Schaeffler's eDifferential, he will demonstrate how modular designs will be critical to drivetrain flexibility and the electrification evolution.

"To meet system requirements, the Schaeffler eDifferential uses the space- and weight-saving lightweight planetary gearset differential," Stopp said. "Additionally, depending on the application, a two-speed transmission can be integrated and an optional torque vectoring unit can be included to further increase driving stability."

Currently in volume production development, Schaeffler's eDifferential was developed by the company's eMobility Systems Division, which uses a holistic approach that integrates the expertise of both the company's automotive and industrial divisions. The division's task is to develop and put into production complex, mechatronic systems that meet the current and future needs of the global automotive industry. The division is slated to consist of approximately global 300 employees by the end of 2012.

Created and organized by CTI, a partner for automotive excellence, the 6th International CTI Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electric Drives Symposium and Exhibition offers an international exchange of experiences and opinions between key automotive representatives. Participants, including OEMs, transmission manufacturers and suppliers from the United States, Europe and Asia, will discuss the latest technical developments and applications for conventional and alternative drives. For more information, please visit the event website.

With its product brands INA, LuK and FAG, Schaeffler is a leading provider of rolling and plain bearing solutions, and linear and direct drive technology, as well as a renowned supplier of high-precision products and systems for engines, transmissions and chassis applications to the automotive industry. The global group of companies generated sales of approximately 10.7 billion euros in 2011. With approximately 74,000 employees worldwide, Schaeffler is one of the largest German and European industrial companies in family ownership. With 180 locations in more than 50 countries, Schaeffler has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, sales companies, engineering offices and training centers.

To serve the North American automotive market, Schaeffler operates development centers in: Troy, Mich.; Fort Mill, S.C.; Wooster, Ohio; and Puebla, Mexico. The company's 400 North American engineers and technicians, who are supported by a team of more than 5,500 global engineers, drive development in the region utilizing state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment, computational tools and CAD systems. Schaeffler Automotive has headquarters in Fort Mill and manufacturing facilities in: South Carolina; Missouri; Ohio; Ontario, Canada; Puebla and Irapuato, Mexico. For more information, please visit www.schaeffler.us.