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At the upcoming IAA MOBILITY from September 8 to 12, Schaeffler will present its expanded product portfolio under the banner of “The Motion Technology Company.” This event follows the acquisition of Vitesco Technologies, enhancing Schaeffler’s offerings in key areas such as electrified powertrains, intelligent chassis solutions, and software-defined vehicles. With a clear vision to lead industry transformation, Schaeffler aims to partner with its customers to create a future of mobility that is decarbonized, automated, and connected.
Overview of Schaeffler’s Product Innovations
Schaeffler is positioning itself as a leader in electromobility, offering a diverse range of solutions to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). By 2035, battery-powered electric vehicles are expected to dominate the market, prompting extensive innovation from Schaeffler. The company is developing a comprehensive suite of products, including electric motors and complex high-voltage axle drives. A standout offering is the EMR4 electric axle drive, which integrates a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, power electronics, and transmission into a single compact unit. This modular system allows for tailored solutions that cater to various vehicle concepts, enhancing compatibility and ease of integration.
Furthermore, Schaeffler is focusing on thermal management solutions that are essential for improving powertrain efficiency. As regulatory requirements evolve, adapting to new refrigerants like CO₂ and propane will be critical. Schaeffler’s modular thermal management portfolio is equipped to support these advancements, ensuring their products remain at the forefront of the industry.
Hybrid Architecture Solutions
The transition from traditional powertrains to hybrid architectures is another area where Schaeffler excels. The company offers complete solutions ranging from plug-in hybrids to mild hybrids and range extenders, spanning individual components to integrated systems. Schaeffler’s dedicated hybrid transmission exemplifies this approach, merging power electronics with innovative hydraulic systems designed for both full and plug-in hybrids. This technology enables efficient operation across electric, serial, or parallel configurations, optimizing the internal combustion engine’s performance.
At IAA MOBILITY, Schaeffler will showcase a demonstrator highlighting these advancements, featuring state-of-the-art damper solutions and electromechanical camshaft phasing units. These innovations are designed to meet future noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) requirements, as well as stricter emission standards. To enhance emissions control, Schaeffler introduces the Flex Fuel Sensor, providing precise measurements of ethanol concentration and fuel temperature, promoting more efficient fuel injection.
Toward Automated Driving Solutions
As the automotive industry progresses towards higher levels of automation, Schaeffler is already developing technologies to support this evolution. By 2035, it is projected that 10% of vehicles produced will feature highly automated capabilities. Schaeffler’s innovative damper and steering systems, supported by advanced software, aim to enhance both safety and comfort in these vehicles. Notably, their steer-by-wire technology incorporates a force-feedback function, offering drivers a natural steering experience while minimizing the use of copper and rare earth materials.
Moreover, Schaeffler is pioneering the concept of the software-defined vehicle. By centralizing vehicle functions into zonal controllers, the complexity of vehicle architectures can be significantly reduced. Schaeffler’s Master Control Units (MCUs) and Zone Controller Units (ZCUs) are integral to this strategy, providing a robust electronic backbone that supports efficient data processing and secure communications essential for modern vehicle performance.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Schaeffler’s participation at IAA MOBILITY 2025 underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the automotive industry. As the company unveils its latest technologies and solutions, it reinforces its position as a key partner in the transition toward sustainable and automated mobility. With a clear strategy focused on electrification, hybrid technology, and software-driven architectures, Schaeffler is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s mobility landscape, ensuring a greener and more connected future.