Schaeffler and Audi cooperate in powertrain development

Schaeffler has been involved in the innovative electric racing series from day one and designing, developing and building the powertrain for the only German Formula E race car in the international field in a highly committed and successful partnership with Team ABT since the 2015/2016 season. In the light of AUDI AG entering the series with a factory-backed commitment as of the fourth season beginning in fall of 2017, Schaeffler and the Ingolstadt-based premium brand on the occasion of the race weekend in Berlin sealed a three-year technology cooperation up to and including the 2019/2020 season. The partnership will include joint work on the electric motor, suspension and power electronics for the powertrain.

The basic concept for the next-gen powertrain of the Formula E race car has been finalised and some of its components are already being tested. Behind the scenes, Schaeffler and Audi have been working together in Formula E in some areas before. Now, the official signing of the agreement elevates this existing active partnership to a higher level with a long-term focus. “We are delighted to now have sealed for the next three years this increasingly closer partnership that we have been actively engaged in with Audi in Formula E for quite some time. Just like we have been innovatively cooperating with Audi for many decades both in motorsport and, of course, in the development and manufacturing of components for production cars, I am sure that both partners are going to give their best to this joint effort and will continue the success story of ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport which is already an impressive one,” said Schaeffler’s Chief Technology Officer Prof. Peter Gutzmer.

Aside from their freshly sealed cooperation in Formula E, Schaeffler and Audi have been partners in the DTM since 2007 - in 2011 (Martin Tomczyk) and 2013 (Schaeffler ambassador Mike Rockenfeller), the DTM Champions drove a green-yellow Schaeffler Audi. As its third major motorsport pillar, Schaeffler has a commitment in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) high tech racing series with Audi’s sister brand Porsche. The WEC - similar to Formula E - features forward-thinking motorsport subject to regulations focused on energy efficiency.

Just like Schaeffler has been contributing its technology expertise to Formula E since day one, the technology group is a pioneer in electric mobility for the road as well. For two decades, Schaeffler’s research and development departments have been active in this field. In the more recent past, the development team dedicated to components for electric vehicles has doubled in size and has direct access to know-how from the race track for its projects.

Schaeffler by now is offering a wide range of products for electrifying the entire powertrain, from starter-generators, to 48V systems through to wheel hub motors and E-axles. In addition, Schaeffler is developing electric vehicle concepts below the level of the automobile for mobility of for tomorrow. They include the Bio-Hybrid - a four-wheel Pedelec with weather protection - and the E-Board for urban areas. On both a large and small scale, "The Formula E commitment helps us gain a better understanding of the electric mobility environment and systems,” said Prof. Peter Gutzmer.