ZF introduces electrified AMT for hybrid functions for small and compact vehicles
ZF has introduced a new eAMT (electrified Automated Manual Transmission) technology for the hybridization of front-transverse vehicles. The eAMT integrates the company’s electric axle drive system (eVD) and an automated manual transmission (AMT) into one system.
The transmission actuator and the electric rear axle operate together with intelligent interaction. This results in the eAMT concept no longer experiencing tractive force interruption; the electric motor bridges the gap in accelerative force of the AMT...
The ZF concept integrates an automated manual transmission and an electric axle drive system on the rear axle into one unit. In some vehicle classes, automatic transmissions are out of the question for reasons of weight, space or cost. In this scenario, the automation of manual transmissions is a great way to significantly increase comfort and efficiency for drivers, as they don’t need to actuate the clutch or change gears...
As soon as the AMT disengages in order to engage a new gear, there is a tractive force interruption. This is normal for automated manual transmissions due to their design. With its Traction Torque Support function, the new eAMT almost completely compensates for this short break in accelerative force.
The electric drive on the rear axle precisely bridges this break with a perfectly timed insertion of torque. A ZF eAMT demonstration vehicle based on a current compact SUV platform underscores just how well this balance of force between the front combustion engine, the automated transmission and the rear electric drive works in real-world applications...
The electric rear axle drive not only supports gear changes: It will also activate automatically and at lightning speed as soon as additional thrust is required such as when overtaking, or when all-wheel drive is needed on slippery road sections.
In addition, ZF has dimensioned the electric motor in the demonstration vehicle to have the capacity to move the SUV under electric power alone. It then travels in all-electric mode and with zero local emissions.
