Schaeffler is urging engine and transmission developers should work more closely together to achieve significant improvements in fuel economy.

“We must consider internal combustion engines, electrical components and transmissions as a whole”, Schaeffler deputy CEO, Peter Gutzmer told the Vienna Motor Symposium.

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Experts from Schaeffler have undertaken simulations to demonstrate how electrification and transmission design processes influence one another.

The first calculation compares a C-segment vehicle with and without a 48-volt hybrid system, respectively. The 1.4L gasoline engine is identical in both cases but, while the non-electrified vehicle features a seven-speed transmission, the 48-volt hybrid has only four gears.

The use of this electrified transmission provides a fuel economy improvement of 18% in the WLTC (Worldwide harmonised Light Vehicles Test Cycle), claims Schaeffler, which will apply in the future.

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In its second simulation, Schaeffler tested an SUV equipped with a 3L V6 engine. While the conventional vehicle features an eight-speed planetary transmission, the electrified version is equipped with a 24 kW electric motor installed in a five-speed automatic transmission.

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Schaeffler says the fuel economy improvement achieved in the WLTC is 14% in this case, but significant savings can also be achieved even without electrification.

“The optimisation of the internal combustion engine therefore remains immensely important for Schaeffler”, added Gutzmer.