Schaeffler hits CAFE target with no electrification

Thanks to a range of fuel efficient technologies, Schaeffler has been able to meet 2020 CAFE standards for its current demonstration vehicle: despite no additional electrification of its powertrain.

As part of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the company demonstrated its Efficient Future Mobility North America vehicle - a current version of its popular mid-size SUV.

The vehicle incorporates a host of technologies allowing it to reduce fuel consumption by 15 per cent.

Among the innovations included is an all-wheel drive disconnect clutch and a thermal management module. The disconnect clutch decouples the drive axle from the powertrain helping to contribute to as much as a six per cent saving during highway driving. The thermal management module meanwhile can reduce fuel consumption by a further one per cent by optimising the engine operating temperature.

The vehicle also adds an engine start-stop system and a permanently engaged starter generator that allows the vehicle to be driven for longer distances with the engine completely switched off.

According to Schaeffler CTO Professor Peter Gutzmer, the company has worked meticulously on discovering new solutions for internal combustion engines that can lower fuel consumption.

"Meticulously detailed work and new solutions for powertrains based on internal combustion engines still offer significant potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions," he said.

"Start-stop systems are becoming increasingly widespread and are set to develop from conventional starters into systems that can even provide features previously only available in hybrid vehicles. And energy recuperation will become more and more of an issue as the performance of on-board electric systems and equipment increases-after all, a reduction in the vehicle's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can also be achieved if this energy is used to drive the vehicle."

Schaeffler's product range also includes electrification: such as a 48V system that will allow significant advancements to be made in terms of drive efficiency and could help an entry level hybrid vehicle reduce fuel consumption by a further 15 per cent. It is expected to be introduced by 2025.