Schaeffler is entering the electric-motor manufacturing sector with a modular highly integrated ‘technology platform’ designed for efficiency and a good price/performance ratio; the potential applications range from hybrid modules and dedicated hybrid transmissions to electric motors for electric axle drives.

Voltage ranges from 48V to 800V are possible, along with ‘performance classes’ from 15kW to over 300kW. Volume production for a range of customer projects world-wide is set to begin in 2021.

Schaeffler’s world-wide network of manufacturing plants will be used to set up and operate the production lines.

The last remaining ‘technology gap’ — stator manufacture — was ‘closed’ by the acquisition of Elmotec Statomat at the end of 2018, allowing Schaeffler to now “fully cover the industrialisation of electric motors”.

Jochen Schröder, head of Schaeffler’s E-Mobility division, said: “Understanding and mastering transmissions, electric motors and power electronics is an art in itself.

“Making a functioning overall system and powertrain out of all these things is another. We are experts in both.”

Matthias Zink, CEO (Automotive OEM) at Schaeffler, said: “By acquiring new expertise for the in-house development and production of electric motors, we are not only expanding our portfolio but also consistently pursuing our electric-mobility strategy.

“Our comprehensive systems expertise and the solutions that we derive from it mean that our customers have a recognised and trusted system and component manufacturer on hand to deliver products based on their requirements and mobility needs.”