HERZOGENAURACH, Germany -- The Schaeffler Group has developed a car full of ideas called the "Schaeffler Hybrid." The vehicle is part of an advance development project that enables a practical comparison of the various options available for e-mobility to be made, and demonstrates various vehicle configurations and driving conditions.

The Schaeffler Hybrid not only has a volume-produced combustion engine from a basic vehicle, but also has a central electric motor and two wheel hub motors.

"Presenting various concepts with informative comparisons as well as realistic testing played a decisive role in the implementation of the Schaeffler Hybrid," said Prof. Dr. Peter Gutzmer, member of the Executive Management Board responsible for technical development at the Schaeffler Group.

The various elements can each be switched on and off and comprise a wide range of driving conditions, ranging from classic operation using a combustion engine, operation as a parallel hybrid or serial hybrid to operation using the electric motor only. The combustion engine can power the vehicle and be coupled for use as a range extender. An automated manual transmission increases the options available. The transmission naturally incorporates clutch products specially matched to the requirements of hybrid vehicles from the Schaeffler brand LuK. The energy store, which is a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery (400 V, 400 A), is charged by means of energy recovery, the range extender as well as via an external power supply (plug-in hybrid).

"Another important aspect of this advance development project are the linked development activities of the Schaeffler brands," said Gutzmer. Specifically, these are INA, LuK, FAG as well as IDAM and AFT.

"The 'Schaeffler Hybrid' will not go into volume production," Gutzmer said, "rather it serves as a vehicle of ideas. For example, with the ‘CO2ncept-10%’ based on a Porsche Cayenne, we successfully demonstrated advantages in fuel consumption and emissions by reducing friction in the drive train. With the Schaeffler Hybrid, we want to demonstrate that the Schaeffler Group takes a holistic approach to mobility and offers innovative products for e-mobility solutions in its portfolio."

Along with the components shown in the Schaeffler Hybrid, Schaeffler's range of products tailored to the requirements of hybrid vehicles and electric mobility include hybrid clutches, electromechanical chassis and steering components, as well as various differentials. These differentials include the space-saving lightweight differential with face spline and electric differentials.