At CES, Schaeffler will be demonstrating how fascinating and sustainable e-mobility solutions can be with exhibits ranging from hybrid modules to the 1,200 hp "Schaeffler 4ePerformance" concept car.

E-mobility products from Schaeffler in series production vehicles

Alongside digitalization and Industry 4.0 - as part of the "Agenda 4 plus One" program for the future - the company sees e-mobility as one of the most important drivers of innovation in the future and has brought together all its activities in this sector in the new E-Mobility division. Schaeffler will invest over 500 million euros in the research, development and production of electric drive units by 2020. The company is already mass-producing components and system solutions such as electric axles and hybrid modules.

Another example is a transmission for electric cars, one of which enables intelligently controlled and efficient all-wheel drive on both the front and rear axle of the new Audi e-tron. In normal driving mode, only the electric motor works on the rear axle. If the driver demands more power via the accelerator pedal or if the system detects slippage on the rear axle, the front axle drive is engaged.

Hybrid module for American bestseller

At CES, Schaeffer is showcasing a hybrid module that enables manufacturers to electrify the pick-ups that are popular on the American market. The compact P2 hybrid module fits between the combustion engine and transmission and can therefore also be integrated into existing vehicle concepts. It enables both a boost function and "sailing" with the combustion engine switched off, as well as purely electric driving.

The new e-axle can be used on its own or expand an existing front or rear axle drive into a fully-fledged all-wheel drive. An additional advantage is the wheel-selective controllable drive power. Torque vectoring, a torque distribution between the right and left wheels, noticeably increases safety, driving dynamics and driving comfort.

The fascination of e-mobility: the concept car

With the 4ePerformance concept car, Schaeffler has put a fascinating ambassador for e-mobility on wheels. The car is a good example of the technology transfer from racing to a near-series drive concept. The all-electric vehicle has four Formula E motors with a total output of 880 kW (1,200 hp). They come from the ABT Schaeffler FE01 Formula E racing car and, like the power electronics used, were developed by the subsidiary Compact Dynamics. For Schaeffler, the electric racing series is an ideal test laboratory for the development of electric mobility technologies.

Schaeffler benefits from experience in the classic powertrain

When developing electric drive components, Schaeffler benefits from the experience the company has gained from the classic powertrain with combustion engine, for example in digital simulation. The know-how from the development of starting elements such as the torque converter or the double clutch also expands the development and manufacturing expertise. At the same time, the company continues to expand its expertise. With the acquisition of Elmotec Statomat GmbH, a manufacturer of production machines for building electric motors in large series, Schaeffler closes the last gap in the area of manufacturing complete e-systems, including electric motors built in-house.