that question is electrification ,” said Dr . Jochen Schröder , head of E-Mobility at Schaeffler . This new drive technology opens up a new and steadily growing market for Schaeffler . The company aims to see its wheel hub motors used in more and more utility and service vehicles in towns and cities , on factory campuses , and at logistics centers , ports , airports , and large parking facilities . These types of vehicles tend to be operated on set routes , so they are a good fit for the fixed ranges and predictable charging times of electric drives . Another key benefit for vehicle operators is that the wheel hub motors have long-life , low-maintenance wheel bearings and gearboxes .
Schaeffler ’ s fully electric wheel hub motors have a unique architecture in which the electric motor ( stator and rotor ), gearbox , and mechanical friction brake are arranged around the wheel bearing inside the rim . This compact design envelope frees up space elsewhere in the vehicle – for the battery or cargo stowage , for example . It also gives vehicle manufacturers greater design freedom , allowing them to develop a wide range of mobility formats , including rolling chassis solutions . “ Our highly integrated electric wheel hub motors also improve vehicle maneuverability , which is a key prerequisite for automated driving ,” said Jochen Schröder .
In-wheel motor saves space and improves driving dynamics
The wheel hub motor , including the gearbox , is very compact , fitting inside a 14-inch rim . The inverter , on the other hand , is not integrated , and can be accommodated anywhere in the vehicle . A single inverter controls one or two wheel hub motors , depending on the use scenario . The motor ’ s power output is scalable , depending on the application , ranging from 7 kW to 26 kW ( nominal ) and peaking at 60 kW for short bursts . The torque generated by the electric motor is transmitted via the gearbox directly to the wheel . This direct transmission reduces energy loss , making the drive highly efficient . Another key benefit is that torque and direction of rotation are controlled individually for each wheel , resulting in an all-wheel drive vehicle that can handle hills with consummate ease , even in winter road conditions . Schaeffler currently develops wheel hub motors for 48 V and 400 V applications and is exploring the possibility of higher voltages .
www . schaeffler . com
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