Powertrain systems for passenger cars

Systems for electric vehicles with range extender

Function

The electric drive capabilities of electric vehicles with Range Extender are even further enhanced, permitting purely electric driving. The vehicle’s range is great enough to meet average daily mobility requirements. If required, electrical energy can be generated on board with the Range Extender.

The range of purely electric propulsion is now around 80 kilometers. On longer trips, the Range Extender provides greater range by charging the battery. Compared with propulsion by an internal-combustion engine, fuel consumption and CO₂ output are reduced by an average of 90%.

Further information

Powertrain electrification

Electric axle drive

The electric axle drive unit sits directly on the axle and includes a separate motor/generator which drives the vehicle electrically when functioning as a motor and helps to transform mechanical braking energy into electrical energy when functioning as a generator.

Inverter

The power electronics is the connection between the battery and the electric machine. It converts the direct current of the high-performance battery into the alternating current required to power the electric motor.

Cooperative regenerative braking system

Traditional braking maneuvers represent a waste of the kinetic energy that has only just been generated via fuel combustion.

The cooperative regenerative braking system ensures that as much braking energy as possible is recuperated and stored as electrical energy. To do this, the generator is used to slow the vehicle down. As soon as the braking requirements exceed the braking capacity of the generator, the classic wheel brakes are applied.

The cooperative regenerative braking system fulfills the same safety requirements as conventional braking systems.

High-voltage battery

The battery supplies the electric machine during electric propulsion. When driving with the combustion engine and during regenerative braking, the battery is charged by the electric machine.

With its partner Samsung SDI, Bosch has founded the joint-venture company SB LiMotive. Samsung SDI is experienced and successful in the large-series manufacture of high-quality lithium-ion cells and systems (Li-Ion). Bosch provides the joint venture with decades of automobile experience. With this shared know-how, SB LiMotive develops, manufactures and markets reliable, powerful and high-quality lithium-ion batteries with battery management systems at competitive prices for use in vehicles.

Range Extender

The Range Extender is a small internal-combustion engine with a generator that supplies energy for electric propulsion when the battery is empty.