Vitesco Technologies Presents a New Hybrid Transmission
Vitesco Technologies has designed a low-cost and space-saving dedicated hybrid
transmission (DHT) unit with the integrated e-motor intended for hybrid
vehicles. This solution has been showcased during the CTI Symposium in Berlin.
This solution is based on the growing
importance of the e-motor in the automotive industry, which now serves not only
as a means of propulsion and power regeneration. The manufacturer says that
this product allows adapting energy-saving technologies used in hybrid vehicles
for the large-scale manufacturing. Thanks to this innovation, the company has
worked out a conceptual idea that sets anew several functions in earlier times
fulfilled by the gearbox.
Vitesco’s DHT
transmission
Up to the present, it has been very problematic
to unlock the potential of hybrid vehicles when it comes to dealing with a
serious problem stemming from growing environmental contamination, as hybrids come
with quite costly powertrains. Due to that fact, hybrid vehicles are simply
unaffordable for an average customer.
Vitesco’s PHEV on the
test track in Germany
The test mule (PHEV equipped with DHT) has ensured a pleasant driving experience and smooth gear shifting that so far has been seen only on hybrids equipped with standard automatic transmissions. The DHT unit has only 4 mechanical gears and at the same time lacks mechanical synchronization units, supplementary hydraulics or start clutch. The processes of starting from standstill (in 1-st and 2-nd speeds) and reverse running are performed with the help of the e-motor, while synchronization is ensured by a starter-generator that is also responsible for rapid starting of the IC-engine.
This kind of reallocation of functions between
actuating mechanisms allowed excluding some elements from the DHT design,
which, in turn, gave a chance to reduce dimensions, weight, and the total price
of the unit. Thus, this transmission can be installed in compact cars with the
east-west engine positioning. It can be a great solution, as the underhood
space in such cars is strictly limited.
Paired with a reasonably-priced IC-engine and fully electric drive, for instance, DHT technology gives manufacturers an opportunity to design budget-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles capable of operating for quite a while in electric mode, thereby preventing any harmful emissions. This new product became possible thanks to the company’s technological infrastructure and solid expertise in development of powertrain solutions.
For instance, impressive gear shifting capacity provided by the DHT despite its simple construction fully depends on the high dynamic qualities of the e-motor functions, which in turn requires deep insights into the corresponding technologies. DHT technology brings the company a step closer to successful implementation of its electrification concepts.
