Vitesco presented its hybrid gearbox solution with integrated electric motors at the CTI Symposium in Berlin. The greatly simplified gearbox design is intended to enable new and affordable hybrid vehicles.
Vitesco Dedicated Hybrid Transmission
Vitesco
Continental's powertrain division, known as Vitesco Technologies, has presented its hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors. The Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) is a compact automatic gearbox with an integrated high-voltage electric motor on the output side for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The DHT has only four mechanical gears, and the electric motor powers travel in first and second gears and when reversing. A starter generator ensures synchronisation and starts the internal combustion engine. Thanks to intelligent control of the electric motor, the gearbox achieves the same level of driving comfort that is typical of a conventional six-speed automatic.
For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the DHT can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h in all-electric mode and 160 km/h in hybrid mode. Removing the mechanical components for synchronisation when changing gear, the auxiliary hydraulics and the starting clutch saves on space, weight and cost. "So far it has not been possible to tap the full potential of plug-in hybrids and full hybrids for reducing CO2 emissions because the expensive powertrain of these vehicles puts them out of reach for many customers", says Stephan Rebhan, Head of Technology and Innovation at Vitesco Technologies. Vitesco's hybrid gearbox offers a solution to this problem and is intended in particular for front transverse installation in C-segment vehicles.