The product portfolios and capabilities of Oerlikon and Continental make an excellent match. Our collaboration will allow us to significantly improve the efficiency of the electric powertrain.

—Paolo Mantelli, Head of Performance Automotive at Oerlikon Graziano Spa in Italy,

One key aim of development work on hybrid and electric vehicles is optimizing efficiency at the overall system level—i.e., by integrated optimization of both the mechanical and the electrical paths. For example, electrical energy can be more efficiently converted into propulsion if the transmission spread and the number and placing of shift points are precisely matched to the characteristics of the electric motor. At the same time this will also lead to a reduction in system costs and weight.

The two companies will follow an integrated systems-based approach which will be key to delivering significantly improved customer benefits. The agreement covers both development and marketing of these integrated motor and transmission systems. Which of the two partners assumes the role of systems supplier for a given project will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Continental already develops and manufactures a full spectrum of systems and modules for electric powertrains. As well as all types of electric motor, the product range also includes power electronics systems and the battery. The partnership with Oerlikon will extend this portfolio to include high-performance mechanical transmission systems.

SK Continental E-motion—a company jointly formed and managed by Continental and SK Innovation (South Korea)—has been developing, producing and marketing advanced lithium ion-based battery technology since the beginning of this year.

Oerlikon is an industrial group specializing in machine and plant engineering. The Group is active in five businesses: textile machines for manufacturing manmade fibers, drive and transmission systems and components, vacuum systems, thin-film coatings and nanotechnology.