The
showcase also features alternative energy carriers, such as hydrogen for both
stationary and mobile applications. “Here at Schaeffler, we take environmental
and social responsibility seriously. Sustainability is hardwired into our DNA
and is an integral part of our Roadmap 2025,” commented group CEO Klaus
Rosenfeld.
“By leveraging our innovative powertrain,
chassis and alternative mobility technologies and our comprehensive
understanding of the energy chain, we are making a major contribution to
achieving global climate targets. In doing so, we are sustainably pioneering
motion to advance how the world moves,” he added.
Schaeffler innovations in the field of
e-mobility
Schaeffler
sees the transformation currently taking place in the automotive industry as a
major opportunity. “The trend towards electric and alternative mobility
concepts is a key driver of innovation for our products and business models,”
said Schaeffler CEO Automotive Technologies, Matthias Zink, adding that “We are
building our position as our customers’ preferred technology partner by
harnessing our expertise in components and systems to develop innovative,
customized solutions for shaping this transformation.”
Schaeffler is already a major player in the
e-mobility sector, with multiple nominations as a lead supplier of electric
powertrain solutions. Among the Schaeffler innovations on display at the IAA
Mobility show is an 800-volt power electronics system for electric axle
applications in high-performance vehicles such as sports cars and SUVs.
Schaeffler’s
new 800-volt on-board power supply uses the latest silicon carbide
semiconductor technology, which enables efficiencies of over 99 percent and
significantly increases the overall range of electric vehicles. Schaeffler is
also presenting its 3-in-1 electric axle, which combines the electric motor,
gearbox and power electronics in a single system. The showcase also includes
Schaeffler’s integrated thermal management system, which further enhances
efficiency and delivers significant increases in EV range.
Schaeffler “Rolling Chassis” and hydrogen
technology
Schaeffler
has also showcased its rolling chassis, a modular solution to the challenges of
urban mobility. The versatile, scalable platform for new, driverless mobility
solutions demonstrates Schaeffler’s wide range of mobility technologies and
features a flexible architecture that supports various by-wire steering and
powertrain options. Visitors to the Schaeffler booth will also see Free Drive,
a bike-by-wire drive for e-bikes that dispenses with the usual mechanical connection
between crank and wheel and enables a new and freely configurable pedal feel.
As an automotive and industrial supplier,
Schaeffler sees hydrogen technology as crucial to achieving a carbon-neutral
future. This will involve leveraging synergies across the entire hydrogen
energy chain, from generating renewable electricity, to using that electricity
to generate green hydrogen by electrolysis, to using the green hydrogen as an
energy source. The Schaeffler display at the IAA Mobility show includes a hydrogen
fuel cell stack comprising metal bipolar plates made using Schaeffler
high-precision forming and thin-film coating processes.