PSA Group Shifts to Electrification with Punch Powertrain’s Technology
PSA Group accelerates its transition to hybrid
and electric powertrains. Recently, it has transpired that Punch Powertrain
will be the supplier of electrified gearbox solutions for vehicles of the
French auto giant.
According to PSA’s press office, the main
reason for the auto manufacturer’s decision to enter into agreement with Punch
is the patented revolutionary structure of the dual-clutch gearbox, which
ensures cutting the total number of gearbox parts, and therefore reducing the
weight and dimensions of the gearbox.
It is referred to the electrified dual-clutch gearbox DT2. Complementary to enhanced operational characteristics and better fuel efficiency, this transmission is noted for an attractive price. It is planned that this gearbox, coupled with a 48V motor, will be applied in new generations of PSA vehicles. Characteristics of this gearbox are highly estimated by auto experts: it is considered to be the best option among dual-clutch transmissions for commercial and passenger cars.
The company, Punch Powertrain, also heavily
invests in growth of advanced technologies for the future: not long ago Punch
acquired the company Apojee, which is specialized in production of power
electronic equipment. Cooperation with PSA is an important step for Punch
Powertrain, as the company strives to become a world-class supplier in the auto
industry.
In the 70’s, the Belgian company Punch was a
division of the Dutch carmaker DAF and mainly produced CVTs. In the 00’s, the
company started to supply gearboxes to Chinese companies and eventually was
acquired by the Chinese company Yinyi Group. At the same time, the headquarters
of Punch are still located in Belgium.
Learn more about Punch Powertrain
Since 2022, DT2 gearboxes will be manufactured
at the plant of the joint venture PSA-Punch. In the future, PSA may be interested
in using other gearbox solutions provided by Punch. By 2025, it is expected
that the entire product range of PSA Group will consist of E-vehicles, plug-in
hybrids, and vehicles which use “soft” hybrid technologies. This collaboration
will be mutually beneficial: PSA will get inexpensive and efficient gearboxes,
and Punch Powertrain will increase its manufacturing volume.
