Most people assume that auto manufacturers make all the components of their cars themselves. In fact, there are many Tier 1 suppliers behind the scenes who manufacture whole systems, not just individual components. Bosch and GKN are two of the largest, supplying critical components to companies like Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Porsche.
New technology always starts at the top of the market and works its way down as economies of scale drive costs lower. All of the important developments in internal combustion cars were first introduced on premium models. The electric self-starter, automatic transmission and engines with overhead camshafts were all first introduced on top of the line cars. Today, they are available on the even the least expensive models.
Senior engineers at Bosch and GKN say a similar progression will occur for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, as new battery technology lowers the cost of electric cars. Lower prices will mean more people can afford to drive electric cars and that will trigger even lower costs. Peter Moelgg, head of technology at GKN, expects 50% of all cars will have some electric drive components by 2025.
Bosch and GKN are both developing electric drive components for those cars. Both will be able to offer manufacturers complete drive units that can be simply bolted to a car's chassis during the assembly process. Whether those powertrains turn the front wheels, rear wheels or all 4 will make no difference.
Torque vectoring will be an integral part of all electric drivetrains, according to both companies. Electronic controls will be able to vary the amount of torque going to each wheel from 0 to 100%. That will help cars negotiate tight corners and manage roads made slippery by rain, snow, or ice. It may also make it possible for tomorrow's cars to make emergency maneuvers to avoid a collision — maneuvers that most ordinary drivers do not have the skill to perform.
The internal combustion engine is not a thing of the past — not quite yet. Bosch is working on electric turbochargers that provide instant torque. Ordinary turbochargers need to get up to speed before they are effective. By using an electric supercharger, an internal combustion engine can make more power at lower rpm. That increases fuel economy and decreases exhaust emissions.
In the age of the gasoline engine, each auto maker built its own engines. Its cars were defined by what was under the hood. Today, most of the pieces that move the car forward are made by independent suppliers like Bosch and GKN. Manufacturers don't make their own batteries, they buy them from LG Chem, Panasonic, or Samsung. Companies like Bosch and GKN will become increasingly more important to the future of automobiles as time goes on.
Source: Bosch, GKN prepare for tomorrow's (electric) powertrains today
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