FEV showcasing plug-in hybrid transmission at SAE World Congress
08 April 2014
FEV North America, Inc. is showcasing its most recent transmission design at the SAE World Congress in Detroit, Mich. The plug‐in hybrid transmission’s capabilities include a 2‐speed all-electric driving mode; use as an ICE range extender in parallel mode for efficient highway driving; and a highly flexible eCVT mode (power split) that features strong launch and creep performance without clutch slippage. The transmission does not use a torque converter and includes only one electric machine.
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| FEV’s P-REX1 transmission. Click to enlarge. |
The transmission is targeting the needs of transmission developers who are being asked to provide higher levels of capability in a smaller package that can be used in a downsized engine compartment, while at the same time reducing mechanical complexity and increasing robustness. FEV used a clean sheet approach to develop a transmission with such capability.
FEV’s transmission design process was supported by advanced CAE methods. The TCU software was developed in‐house; the calibration was optimized via FEV’s proprietary TOPexpert tool chain.
Use of FEV’s systematic development process and CAE methods resulted in a transmission that is 10 percent lighter, shorter and less costly to manufacture than a similar dual‐clutch transmission. The transmission is package‐neutral and offers very low complexity and a high degree of robustness.
Testing included putting the transmission through FEV’s extreme dynamic “Nürburgring” test cycle for sports car performance.
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