Dual Drive: that is the name of the transmission Schaeffler has developed for the Audi e-tron

The automotive sector is beginning to be revolutionised by the arrival of electric vehicles, which still have much room for improvement despite the significant innovations they are introducing. However, manufacturers have not wanted to wait any longer to begin applying a clear consolidation of 100% electric cars, an attitude reflected at Schaeffler. This German company has developed a transmission for this type of vehicle, which will be applied to the newly arrived Audi e-tron, the first 100% electric model from the four-ring brand.

This new transmission will not only be applied to the latest model from Audi, but will also be a compatible option with other vehicles in the group that are powered by an electric motor. However, the off-road character of the e-tron and its sporty spirit present themselves as the ideal characteristics for establishing Dual Drive in its mechanics, with the aim of providing safer driving and a higher level of comfort.

The transmission developed by Schaeffler features a layout parallel to the axle and in a coaxial arrangement. The first configuration is responsible for providing front-wheel drive, while the second provides rear-wheel drive, and the combination of both allows the new Audi e-tron to have innovative and efficient all-wheel drive. The coaxial variant will be permanently active, while the parallel-axle variant will engage when circumstances call for power to all four wheels.

The core of this system is made up of the set of planetary and stepped gears that combine with a new spur-gear differential manufactured by Schaeffler. This complex coaxial configuration has shown some resistance during development, but the German engineers have managed to create a 150 mm component capable of withstanding an input torque of up to 400 Nm and with a declared weight on the scales of just 16 kilograms, a figure that will not impact the overall weight of the new Audi e-tron.

This innovative planetary gear design has also been applied to the parallel-axle transmission on the front axle, allowing significant savings in development time and costs. Furthermore, it also benefits the quality of the assembly, offering the capacity to withstand an input torque of 400 Nm, like the coaxial one, and can be combined with an optional parking lock.

Production of this new transmission has been underway since August, and the German company’s goals are to achieve annual production of 250,000 units. This is currently carried out in Germany, specifically at the Herzogenaurach plant, but it will be transferred to Asia at the end of the year to remain faithful to the concept of customer proximity. In this way, the new Audi e-tron will be the one to showcase this revolutionary system which, little by little, will be applied to other models, both hybrid and electric.