Nexteer Automotive, the Auburn Hills-based intuitive motion control system supplier, has expanded its driveline portfolio with new half shaft technologies that are tailored to electric vehicles.
Nexteer says its half shaft technologies solve EV challenges by enhancing durability and efficiency while optimizing noise, vibration, and harshness performance and low mass.
Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EV architectures utilize electric drive units (EDUs) integrated into the front axle for front-wheel drive, the rear axle for rear-wheel drive, or both for all-wheel-drive operation. While ICE vehicles often used a variety of driveline technologies, EVs rely on half shafts for the task of transmitting torque from the EDUs to the wheels.
“The global automotive industry’s commitment to electrification continues to increase, and Nexteer’s driveline innovations help overcome automakers’ EV challenges so they can create comfortable and durable electric vehicles to achieve consumer preferences across global markets,” says Robin Milavec, senior vice president, executive board director, chief technology officer, and chief strategy officer at Nexteer Automotive.
“Our vast experience with driveline and our commitment to relentless innovation make Nexteer a preferred technology partner as OEM customers work to meet the unique needs of EVs.”
Nexteer’s driveline technologies include:
Parametric Trunnion Tripot: Increases durability life by 100 percent, which enables the use of smaller, lighter joints.
TriGlide Shudderless Tripot: Achieves “industry leading” NVH performance for a shudderless tripot.
Ball Spline Axle Half Shaft: A “unique” half shaft solution that provides expanded plunge/angle capabilities, expanded durability and “unmatched” NVH performance even at ultra-high operating angles.
Monobloc Tubular Shaft: Enables lower mass and increased torsional stiffness for RWD and FWD ICE and EV applications with one-piece tubular axle shafts.
CrossGlide 8-Ball Plunging Joint: Provides “ideal” NVH characteristics, lower mass, and smaller package size for RWD EV applications.
High-Efficiency Fixed Center 8-Ball Joint: Delivers a 50 percent reduction in mechanical efficiency loss in the driveline while providing a reduced package size and reduced mass for FWD, RWD and AWD EV applications.
52 Degree CV Joint: Expands capability of standard undercut free style outboard joint to 52 degrees.
“Nexteer’s portfolio of half shaft technologies are essential to transferring and controlling power from an EV’s Drive Unit to its wheels — providing a smooth ride, increasing control and limiting disturbances for drivers and passengers,” says Milavec.
