Many upstart car manufacturers have big ambitions to establish themselves among the leaders of the motoring world – but the Schaeffler Group has far more modest goals.
The company has developed the Shaeffler Hybrid to enable a practical comparison of the various options available for e-mobility. The idea is not to put the vehicle into production but to demonstrate different electric-drive vehicle configurations.
The Schaeffler Hybrid.
The car includes a combustion engine from a basic vehicle, as well as a central electric motor and two wheel hub motors. The elements can be switched on or off; with options ranging from classic operation using a combustion engine to a serial hybrid or pure electric driving.
According to Professor Dr Peter Gutzmer, a member of the executive management board responsible for technical development at the Schaeffler Group, the various concepts will allow informative comparisons to be drawn. The combustion engine can power the vehicle and also be coupled as a range extender, with the vehicle including a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Schaeffler also offers a range of products dedicated to hybrid and electric vehicles including hybrid clutches, steering components and an electromechanical chassis.
