German components firm Schaeffler has unveiled a new hybrid clutch system that opens the way for electrified cars to be offered with manual transmissions.
The so-called ‘P2 module’ is expected to go into production at the end of this year in China. The P2 module fits between the engine and the transmission — making it especially useful for transversely engined vehicles — and combines a 12kW electric motor and a pair of clutches. A disconnect clutch allows the car’s engine to be decoupled from the transmission. An impact clutch is used to smooth out vibrations when the engine is restarted.
Schaeffler said the P2 module would allow a car to drive electrically at low speeds in stop-start traffic, automatic parking could be performed in electric-only mode and the system also allows ‘active sailing’ at speeds up to 30mph. The active sailing system allows a vehicle to take advantage of rolling momentum or downhill stretches of road by either idling or shutting down the engine and disconnecting it from the transmission in order to save fuel.
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The new unit is designed to work with a 48V electrical system, which many car makers are rushing to adopt for future models. The 48V system means that not only can the electrical system handle a maximum of 12kW — four times that of the familiar 12V system — but also the system’s cabling can be 75% smaller, saving weight, reducing costs and improving the maker’s ability to package the wiring harness into the car.
The P2 can also be used to recuperate energy under braking, saving it as electrical energy to a 48V battery.
The P2 unit is designed to be retro-fitted to existing vehicle structures with minimal engineering changes. Around half of all global car sales are of cars with a manual gearbox.
Changes are not needed to existing gearbox designs and the unit doesn’t need water cooling like some hybrid setups. It could help reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20%, according to Schaeffler.
The P2 module is intended to be used with Schaeffler’s new E-clutch set-up, which, it claims, can help cut fuel consumption by as much as 8%. There are two versions of the E-clutch — one that uses a pedal and hydraulic or cable connection with the electronic ‘intelligent actuator’ and the other that dispenses with the clutch pedal altogether.
Future versions of the P2 unit, one developing a continuous 33bhp and 74 lb ft and the other 64bhp and 118lb ft, are also under development.
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Manually Hybrids
I used to view Europeans as an enlightened lot when it comes to autos, from these posts, it's obvious that most have drunk the big 3 too big to fails cool aid as the euro auto makers look on in awe of how Ford GM and Chrysler managed to get bailed out by both the U.S., FCA and previously Merc.. Now they are emulating the same BS about Auto transmissions. Yes, electrics can run without gears. Truth be told, they could run cooler longer and cheaper with gears. Yes, Auto trans have made significant strides to save fuel and give better control. The truth is though that Manuals when used competently have always offered better, control in conditions where the application of power needs a precise touch. I personally feel safer driving a manual just because I don't like to have to trust electronics and sensors with my life like the rest of the lemmings the world is becoming. Yes, many race cars use electronic controlled transmissions and guess what the highest failures in some of those series are... trans electronics and hydraulics. Don't see many autos in categories that are dependent on grass roots financing and precise control such as drifting. Personally, I don't want to die in a highway speed issue because my cars electronics, computers or sensors took a dump. Car makers bank on the fact that by making things more complicated, they can make more $$$. So does the auto repair industry and parts industry. The only thing difficult or inefficient about a manual is that they are more difficult to master and the world is growing more lazy by the freaking second. The rewards of learning to master a manual is the secure feeling that you can get out of a bind that most would have to use their cell phones (to call a tow) for. Auto makers, take that to the bank and stick it where the sun don't shine...
So where can I buy one?!
I am the guy that wants this feature and would even pay more for it.
Driving an automatic is lazy. The slightly more complex driving with the clutch and shifter keeps me engaged, makes me feel more in control, and gives me a sense of pleasure. Why argue about it at all. If you want to be complacent in your driving experience anticipate the self driving car with delight. Let the rest of us who want to engage with our vehicle do so without listening to your self-righteous blathering’s. People are different and want different experiences, lets agree that thats that and move on.
Now the important question, where can I buy one? Can't find anything with googling.
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