A look at new technologies at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show

The 2019 auto market continued to be as cold as in 2018. Global production and sales continued to decline in the first half of this year, and sales in the three largest auto markets in the world, China, the United States and Europe, continued to fall. The downturn in the auto market has made more and more automakers begin to think about the necessity of traditional international auto shows. All companies this year have a consistent attitude to participate in the show based on market performance, which has also become the reason for many automakers to miss the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The whole vehicle sector was bleak, and the new technologies of parts companies, another protagonist of the auto show, gradually took the main stage. In recent years, technological innovation has driven the future of automobiles, and the continuous expansion of automobile extensions has also forced traditional automobile companies and parts companies to continuously adjust their strategies and actively carry out new technological revolutions. At this auto show, major parts companies brought their new technologies and latest research results in unmanned driving, new energy and lightweight, as well as rethinking and designing various modules of future automobiles. Gasgoo sorted out the relevant content as follows.

Continental

Highly integrated electric axle drive system: As the world's first supplier of highly integrated axle drive systems, Continental has decided to put this system into production in China in the fourth quarter of this year. It is understood that this product is composed of motors, transmissions and inverters, but after eliminating many connecting cables and plugs, it can reduce the weight of electric vehicles by about 20kg, and the total weight of this system is less than 80kg.

In addition to lightweight, another highlight is the 48V high-power technology. The hybrid system equipped with Continental's new 48V high-power technology can enable the vehicle to reach a speed of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour in pure electric mode, which will make an important contribution to reducing vehicle carbon dioxide emissions.

New short-range radar: It detects other road users and obstacles with extreme precision. This enables the cornering assist system to identify hazards earlier than before, warn the driver more quickly and either request emergency braking or trigger it automatically.

Tires that sense and communicate: Continental sensors built into the tire tread are already able to transmit information about tread depth, possible damage and tire temperature as well as the correct inflation pressure. In the future, the rims will also be equipped with an air pump to adjust the tire pressure even while driving. This new wheel and tire concept is called Conti CARE and is connected to the fleet management system via the Internet. The advantage is that it provides information in almost real time and warns fleet managers of irregular or non-compliant operation under standard conditions, thus saving repair costs and reducing vehicle downtime.

Autonomous driving at the trade fair: In cooperation with the driverless vehicle manufacturer EasyMile, Continental has prepared robot taxis ready for pick-up near Hall 10. During the IAA, vehicles equipped with Continental technology will drive autonomously around the exhibition grounds.

Fully connected driving simulator: In addition to the self-driving vehicles that can be tested, Continental's booth also allows users to experience the world of smart mobility through a fully connected driving simulator. Continental has integrated various technologies from its R&D and innovation labs into the demonstrator, turning the sci-fi all-in-one multimedia future driving experience into reality.

Bosch

Bosch driverless bus: In the future, driverless electric buses will be seen everywhere on streets around the world, transporting goods or carrying passengers. Equipped with an electrified powertrain system, driverless electric buses can freely shuttle in the city center and seamlessly connect with the surrounding environment. This concept bus is equipped with Bosch automation, electrification, personalization, and interconnection technologies.

Integrated chassis: Electric powertrain system, steering system, brake system - Bosch products cover the basic components necessary for electric vehicles. Bosch is working with the German Benteler Group, an expert in chassis and automotive technology, and will show how its existing electric vehicle products can be efficiently integrated at this exhibition. The integrated chassis exhibition will also help Bosch better understand the needs of automakers in terms of auto parts so that it can develop corresponding products.

In terms of powertrain systems, Bosch also provides solutions for different powertrain types, including high-efficiency internal combustion engines, fuel cell powertrain systems, and various types of electrification systems.

In terms of driver assistance systems and automation, Bosch not only has a rich product line of driver assistance systems, but also comprehensively develops systems, components and services for application in the fields of partial, highly and fully autonomous driving. At this auto show, it brought the latest solutions such as automatic valet parking system, front camera using algorithms and AI for image processing, surround radar sensors for complex driving environments and satellite positioning smart sensors;

In addition, in order to bring more convenient connected transportation, Bosch also showcased its latest products such as 3D displays, smart keyless entry, and semiconductors.

ZF

Next-generation plug-in hybrid transmission concept prototype EVplus: The ZF EVplus concept can travel more than 100 kilometers under everyday conditions on electricity alone. The longer electric range ensures local zero-emission driving on everyday routes. At the same time, the internal combustion engine eliminates the range anxiety that plagues drivers and helps to dispel users' doubts about buying an electric car. As a result, plug-in hybrids can ensure that more mileage can be driven in electric mode, reducing local CO2 emissions in road traffic.

In addition, ZF can also provide systems for new mobility solutions, such as autonomous electric shuttle buses in city centers. In the next five years, ZF expects strong growth in this field with 1.5 million vehicles worldwide. ZF will promote this market growth by providing intelligent control electronics, chassis technology (including electric drive) and active and passive safety systems.

BorgWarner

Compact battery packs for electric vehicles: These systems feature standard cylindrical cells in a compact design, designed to achieve superior energy density. This, combined with patented thermal engineering and battery management technologies, results in breakthrough range and performance. The scalable design also allows customers with custom modules to get to market faster.

P2 module (left), battery pack (center) and eAxle iDM (right)

Highly integrated electric drive module iDM: This system solution combines specially developed power electronics with electric motor and transmission technology in a compact package. Other important systems are the company's on-axis and off-axis P2 hybrid modules, which allow automakers to flexibly convert existing internal combustion engine drive models into hybrid models without changing the motor or transmission.

48 V solution: enables pure electric driving as well as hybrid system functions such as start-stop systems and energy regenerative braking, which can bring hybrid technology to market faster.

BorgWarner also introduced eTurbo technology, a turbocharger equipped with an electric device motor/generator that can be mounted on the same single shaft as the turbine. When boost is needed, the electric device rotates the turbine shaft to provide torque boost almost instantly. But if the turbine energy generated from the exhaust flow is greater than the amount required, the electric device captures this energy and converts it into electricity.

Schaeffler

Schaeffler Motor: At this year's auto show, Schaeffler showcased its self-developed motors for the first time, which are about to be put into mass production. The new motor series covers a voltage range from 48V to 800V and a power range from 15kW to more than 300kW. It has the characteristics of high efficiency and high cost performance, and can be used in hybrid modules, dedicated hybrid transmissions (DHT) and electric drive axles and other system products. The motors will be put into mass production in 2021 and cover Schaeffler's global customer projects.

Schaeffler Mover, a concept car for urban transportation: This concept car is based on an adaptable autonomous driving development platform that integrates many innovative technologies from Schaeffler. The chassis used is equipped with the Space Drive wire control system, a key technology for autonomous driving, and includes four intelligent steering drive modules, which are installed in four wheels respectively. All drive and suspension components are integrated into a compact unit. This means that this platform can be expanded and adjusted in the future to adapt to a variety of vehicle applications.

In addition, Schaeffler also highlighted its dedicated hybrid transmission, Schaeffler's intelligent steering drive module that can turn 90 degrees, and wire-control technology for achieving autonomous driving.

Garrett

First Generation Electric Turbocharger: Garrett's electric turbocharger achieves superior performance, fuel economy and lower emissions by integrating state-of-the-art ultra-high-speed electric motors and power electronics into the turbocharger, while also providing energy recovery for the vehicle's electrical system. The electric turbocharger uses a small electric motor on the turbine shaft to accelerate the turbocharger, providing instant boost pressure when starting from idle, eliminating turbo lag during acceleration, while generating electricity and charging the hybrid battery. Gasoline engines equipped with electric turbochargers can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15%.