The UK’s automatic transmission specialist Antonov believes that high efficiency transmission systems are scalable for any torque applications and could be beneficial to a wide range of passenger and commercial electric drive vehicles.
The company, which is developing new gearboxes tailored for electric vehicles in an effort to boost their performance and range, will now showcase advanced two-speed and three-speed technology at the UK’s low carbon vehicle event LCV2010 at Millbrook Proving Ground today and tomorrow (September 15-16).
The three-speed powershift transmission is intended for traction motors and will be part of the Jaguar Limo-Green electric vehicle research project. It features two clutches for zero torque interrupt and is part funded by UK TSB to design and develop high efficiency transmission for electric vehicles.
Antonov also believes that the technology has potential for further development as a four-speed transmission that offers even greater efficiency.
Also in the works is a two-speed, known as a compact epicyclic gearbox. It is intended for the development of more efficient ancillary motors and generators including the two-speed 24volt alternator that is being developed as part of a contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence.
In its low speed range it can match the output of a much larger and expensive single-speed alternator and has the potential to replace multiple alternators that are often required for heavy duty commercial and military applications.
