Global technology giant, Schaeffler, the company behind the Luk, FAG, INA and Ruville aftermarket component brands, is continuing to develop new vehicle technology aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while increasing comfort and driving dynamics. The latest innovations were on show in the US recently. 

Part of the Schaeffler strategy is based around mild hybrid drives with 48 V technology which meet consumption demands at a comparatively low cost. The Schaeffler High Performance 48 Volt concept vehicle has a Schaeffler electric rear axle that assists the internal combustion engine driving the front axle. The powerful 48 V mild hybrid is seen as a trailblazer in its field as it is more economical than plug-in hybrids with high voltage technology. The electric motor and the associated power electronics are integrated into a single unit on the rear axle. Twenty kilowatts of purely electric power is thus permanently available from the 48 volt axle drive system.

Schaeffler says the 48 V architecture allows different driving strategies to be selected in order to reduce CO2 emissions and increase driving dynamics, such as emissions-free, purely electric driving up to 35 km/h in areas where traffic is restricted. The concept also offers the possibility of torque vectoring or distributing the drive forces to specific wheels. This can improve a vehicle’s agility and safety as when combined with front wheel drive, the electric axle effectively provides the vehicle with four-wheel drive capability.

Schaeffler is working with vehicle manufacturers on bringing this technology to market along with other innovations such as its "E-Wheel Drive" concept which is an all electric in-wheel hub system. This sees all the necessary components, such as the electric motor, the power electronics, brakes and cooling, located within the wheel rim. This saves space that can be used for new interior design concepts and opens up the possibility of radically different vehicle platforms.