www.auto-innovations.net
28
'26
Written on Modified on
Schaeffler expands hybrid powertrain systems portfolio
Broad range of components and systems supports hybrid architectures across global markets with varying electrification requirements.
www.schaeffler.com
Volume production launch in 2026: The Schaeffler MultiMode hybrid transmission offers three driving modes: electric, serial, and parallel. (Photo: Schaeffler)
Schaeffler is expanding its portfolio of components and systems for hybrid powertrains, addressing increasing demand for mild, full, and plug-in hybrid solutions as well as range extender configurations across multiple regional markets.
Hybrid demand driven by regional powertrain diversity
Market projections presented at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2026 indicate a diversified global powertrain mix by 2035. While regulatory frameworks in Europe are accelerating the transition to battery electric vehicles, other regions—including North and South America and Southeast Asia—are expected to maintain significant hybrid vehicle production volumes. In Japan, hybrid vehicles are projected to account for approximately 77 percent of production.
This regional variation has led Schaeffler to adopt a technology-neutral strategy, enabling support for multiple propulsion architectures depending on local regulatory and infrastructure conditions.
Dedicated hybrid transmission enters volume production
A central element of the portfolio is the MultiMode dedicated hybrid transmission, now entering volume production with automotive manufacturers in Europe and Asia. The system integrates two electric machines, power electronics, and a hydraulic actuation system for clutch and parking lock functions within a single module.
Damping solutions from Schaeffler: The spoke damper reduces vibrations in the powertrains of hybrid vehicles. (Photo: Schaeffler)
With a total system weight of 125 kg and peak power output up to 145 kW, the transmission supports full and plug-in hybrid configurations. It enables three operating modes—electric, serial, and parallel—allowing the internal combustion engine to operate within optimized efficiency ranges, particularly in serial mode where it functions independently of direct drivetrain load.
The system also includes integrated control software, allowing coordinated management of electric and mechanical subsystems through a unified architecture.
Component-level optimization for hybrid efficiency
In addition to complete systems, Schaeffler develops components designed to improve efficiency and drivability in hybrid powertrains. These include spoke dampers, which reduce torsional vibrations at the crankshaft. By positioning the damper within the crankcase, sealing requirements are reduced, leading to lower friction losses and more compact system integration.
The company also offers electromechanical camshaft phasing units based on brushless DC motor technology. These systems provide high adjustment speed and precise valve timing control across varying load conditions, supporting improved combustion efficiency and compliance with emission standards. Production of these units has been established at facilities such as Taicang, China, with global supply to automotive manufacturers.
Produced at Schaeffler since 2025: The electric camshaft phasing unit for hybrid engines has an electric motor with control unit and gearbox. (Photo: Schaeffler)
Sensor integration for emission control
Following its merger with Vitesco Technologies in 2024, Schaeffler expanded its sensor portfolio, particularly in emission control and fuel management. One example is the Flex Fuel sensor, which measures ethanol content in fuel before combustion. This enables adaptive engine control strategies when operating with variable fuel compositions, including renewable fuels.
System-level approach to hybrid powertrains
The combination of system-level integration and component-level optimization allows Schaeffler to address performance, efficiency, and emissions requirements across hybrid architectures. By supporting multiple configurations—from mild hybrids to range extenders—the portfolio enables vehicle manufacturers to adapt to regional market conditions while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
The expanded hybrid portfolio reflects a development approach focused on reducing CO₂ emissions through increased electrification while maintaining operational flexibility and driving performance in mixed powertrain environments.
Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.
www.schaeffler.com
Schaeffler is expanding its portfolio of components and systems for hybrid powertrains, addressing increasing demand for mild, full, and plug-in hybrid solutions as well as range extender configurations across multiple regional markets.
Hybrid demand driven by regional powertrain diversity
Market projections presented at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2026 indicate a diversified global powertrain mix by 2035. While regulatory frameworks in Europe are accelerating the transition to battery electric vehicles, other regions—including North and South America and Southeast Asia—are expected to maintain significant hybrid vehicle production volumes. In Japan, hybrid vehicles are projected to account for approximately 77 percent of production.
This regional variation has led Schaeffler to adopt a technology-neutral strategy, enabling support for multiple propulsion architectures depending on local regulatory and infrastructure conditions.
Dedicated hybrid transmission enters volume production
A central element of the portfolio is the MultiMode dedicated hybrid transmission, now entering volume production with automotive manufacturers in Europe and Asia. The system integrates two electric machines, power electronics, and a hydraulic actuation system for clutch and parking lock functions within a single module.
Damping solutions from Schaeffler: The spoke damper reduces vibrations in the powertrains of hybrid vehicles. (Photo: Schaeffler)
With a total system weight of 125 kg and peak power output up to 145 kW, the transmission supports full and plug-in hybrid configurations. It enables three operating modes—electric, serial, and parallel—allowing the internal combustion engine to operate within optimized efficiency ranges, particularly in serial mode where it functions independently of direct drivetrain load.
The system also includes integrated control software, allowing coordinated management of electric and mechanical subsystems through a unified architecture.
Component-level optimization for hybrid efficiency
In addition to complete systems, Schaeffler develops components designed to improve efficiency and drivability in hybrid powertrains. These include spoke dampers, which reduce torsional vibrations at the crankshaft. By positioning the damper within the crankcase, sealing requirements are reduced, leading to lower friction losses and more compact system integration.
The company also offers electromechanical camshaft phasing units based on brushless DC motor technology. These systems provide high adjustment speed and precise valve timing control across varying load conditions, supporting improved combustion efficiency and compliance with emission standards. Production of these units has been established at facilities such as Taicang, China, with global supply to automotive manufacturers.
Produced at Schaeffler since 2025: The electric camshaft phasing unit for hybrid engines has an electric motor with control unit and gearbox. (Photo: Schaeffler)
Sensor integration for emission control
Following its merger with Vitesco Technologies in 2024, Schaeffler expanded its sensor portfolio, particularly in emission control and fuel management. One example is the Flex Fuel sensor, which measures ethanol content in fuel before combustion. This enables adaptive engine control strategies when operating with variable fuel compositions, including renewable fuels.
System-level approach to hybrid powertrains
The combination of system-level integration and component-level optimization allows Schaeffler to address performance, efficiency, and emissions requirements across hybrid architectures. By supporting multiple configurations—from mild hybrids to range extenders—the portfolio enables vehicle manufacturers to adapt to regional market conditions while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
The expanded hybrid portfolio reflects a development approach focused on reducing CO₂ emissions through increased electrification while maintaining operational flexibility and driving performance in mixed powertrain environments.
Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.
www.schaeffler.com
