Posted to News on 1st Feb 2021, 08:58
Schaeffler starts mass production of electric motors
Schaeffler says it is now reaping the rewards of its decision to create a specific business division for electric mobility three years ago, at the beginning of 2018
The start of mass production for a variety of products across all electrification levels reflects Schaeffler's successful engagement in the electric mobility arena and underscores its desire to be the technology partner of choice for advancing how the world moves. “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,” says Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG. Schaeffler’s key point of difference is its know-how on components and system levels. “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 states that 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 comprehensive coverage of all aspects of electric motor industrialisation. Another successful acquisition in 2016 was the takeover of Compact Dynamics, a specialist in the development of electric drive concepts. Meanwhile, the Schaeffler-Paravan Technologie joint venture is developing the Space Drive steer-by-wire system, said to be a key technology for autonomous driving.
Mass production solutions across all levels of electrification
Schaeffler confirms that it supplies technologies for all electrified drive trains. Mass production of the electric axle transmission, a key component of electric axle systems, has been running successfully since 2017, providing the required transmission ratios and power transfer from the electric motor to the wheels. This is a versatile component with a wide range of applications says Schaeffler. In the Audi e-tron, for example, Schaeffler electric axle transmissions, with different structural designs, are used on both axles for all-wheel drive capability. The Porsche Taycan is fitted with a high-efficiency Schaeffler coaxial electric axle transmission to provide the required transmission ratio on the front axle. In 2020, the coaxial electric axle transmission earned Schaeffler the PACE Award, regarded by the automotive industry as the hallmark for successful automotive projects. Schaeffler has also secured multiple orders for its complete “3in1 electric axles,” which combine the electric motor, drive unit and power electronics in a single system. These are high-performance electric axles with advanced power density.
Electric motors: Start of mass production
2021 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. Schaeffler’s strong expertise in the areas of production and technology across all components of electric drive systems is the key to the successful industrialisation of products that are both technologically advanced and highly profitable. 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 featuring wave winding technology, a technology that provides high power density as well as advantages during assembly.
Record order for dedicated hybrid drives
As reported last year, Schaeffler has received a record order for dedicated hybrid drives. From 2024, Schaeffler will deliver an entire drive unit comprising two electric motors and transmission with integrated power electronics. A system power rating of 120 kW offers sports-car like performance with low fuel consumption. “We are making excellent progress,” says Dr. Jochen Schröder, President of the E-Mobility business division. “Our modular product portfolio enables us to offer customised volume-production solutions to meet any customer requirement,” Dr. Schröder continues.
