NSK has developed a third-generation ultra-high speed ball bearing for electric vehicle (EV) motors that is capable of operating at over 1.8 million dmN(1). The new bearing is in fact the world's fastest grease-lubricated deep groove ball bearing for EV applications, enabling longer vehicle range and higher energy economy. Additionally, the bearing facilitates motor and component downsizing for space gains within vehicle interiors.

NSK has developed a series of deep groove ball bearings featuring an optimised ceramic coating that benefits users of variable speed drives (VSDs) and electric motors. The insulating effect of the coating prevents current transfer, which not only extends bearing service life but avoids damage to adjacent drive components.

As a respected and coveted manufacturer of premium bearings, NSK has long been the victim of unscrupulous counterfeiters. Looking to cheat both the OEM and the user, those producing fake bearings will stop at little to deceive purchasers and boost the profitability of their illegal operations. However, NSK is fighting back with a range of measures that aims to nullify this corrupt practice.

When a company’s reputation is at stake, no purchasing or engineering teams want to fall into the trap of purchasing fake bearings. Every year, NSK invests heavily in identifying and prosecuting counterfeiters, but knows that the best way to stop these bogus operations is to halt demand. With this thought in mind, informing customers of ways to identify and avoid buying replica bearings is hugely beneficial for all stakeholders.

NSK has published a new catalogue that showcases its extensive range of standard bearings for electric motors. As well as focusing on solutions such as deep groove ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings, the 36-page catalogue contains a wealth of advice and technical information for any engineers involved in electric motor design or maintenance.

When it comes to vehicle repairs, NSK sets out to make processes faster, safer and more reliable for garage technicians and mechanics. For this reason, those purchasing NSK ProKIT solutions receive 100% genuine wheel bearings alongside all of the supporting components needed to perform a fast and high-quality wheel bearing replacement. Hub bearings are not the simplest of parts to install, which is why NSK is providing some extra tips to help avoid common mistakes.

Counterfeit bearings are a global issue, with all markets susceptible to the risks of buying these low-quality products. As a leading manufacturer of premium-quality bearings, NSK is focused on eradicating this issue, one that puts safety at risk and ultimately leads to users experiencing reduced reliability and higher lifecycle costs.

NSK has launched an online product catalogue that spans the portfolio of its wheel bearing kits for the automotive aftermarket (AAM). Placing the entire range of NSK ProKIT solutions at the fingertips of distributors, wholesalers and garages means that browsing and selecting the correct wheel bearing kit could not be easier.

NSK has developed a new tapered roller bearing for use in electric vehicles (including hybrid, fuel cell and battery electric variants) that offers long life even under severely lean lubrication conditions. The bearings dramatically boost seizure resistance under lean lubrication, in turn improving transmission reliability and efficiency, and enabling the use of smaller lubrication systems and more compact gearbox designs.

NSK has developed the third generation of its in-wheel motor, the world’s first design of its type to feature a complete package comprising motor, inverter and wireless charging unit. The innovative wireless in-wheel motor (W-IWM) for the electric vehicle (EV) market is capable of charging from coils embedded in the road, while in motion. Development of the latest unit was conducted jointly by a research group comprising NSK, the Fujimoto Laboratory at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, Bridgestone Corporation, ROHM Co Ltd and Toyo Electric Mfg Co Ltd.