The Bosch Group and the Getrag Group announced Tuesday that they will partner to develop and market parallel hybrid systems to provide a near-turnkey hybrid solution to automakers.In a parallel hybrid solution, the electric motor is fitted directly into the power flow of the drivetrain. Under the terms of the partnership, Bosch will handle the electrical systems and power electronics, while Getrag will supply its dual-clutch transmission technology. The companies plan to jointly develop final-drive units with directly integrated electric motors. Bosch already has subsystems off the shelf for hybrid powertrains, and is well advanced in developing electric motors that can be directly integrated into a vehicle's powertrain (as shown in the cutaway model at right).
Once off the shelf hybrid systems are available, we can expect even small automakers to be able to offer hybrid models without prohibitively time-consuming and expensive product development. Bosch and Getrag estimate that their hybrid systems will allow automakers to realize fuel savings of up to 20 percent (using the European fuel economy test cycle) over gasoline-only drive systems.
The Getrag Group is the world's largest independent transmission manufacturer in the world, while Bosch is the world's largest auto parts supplier.
[Sources: Bosch, Getrag]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ryan @ Jun 7th 2006 4:31PM
Ok, dumb question I'm confused
I just purchased a Bosch dishwaher to replace our Kenmore that was very base model in our new house. I liked it because of the name, is this the same Bosch as this Bosch, just curious!
klajsdflaskdjf @ Jun 7th 2006 4:56PM
Yes they're the same company. And to buy something because you liked the name is stupid.
Michael Karesh @ Jun 7th 2006 4:58PM
Same Bosch I believe.
Hybrids will become commonplace because this is the form most will eventually take. Just enough to derive some benefits from regenerative braking. Incremental cost will likely sink under $1,000, maybe even well under.
The Prius was an exercise to see how far the concept could be taken. A simpler system likely makes more financial sense for most people.
Ryan @ Jun 7th 2006 5:18PM
"2. Yes they're the same company. And to buy something because you liked the name is stupid."
-Yeah, and it was brushed nickel with great features. Why do you have to be such a meanie?
:-)
Anyway, who knew (apparently everone but me) you could buy spark plugs, power tools, dishwasher, and hybrid drivetrain all from the same company?!!!! I now have a new corporate idle!
Ryan @ Jun 7th 2006 5:24PM
" And to buy something because you liked the name is stupid."
This is exactly why I purchase from Mitsubishi and Hyundai, kind of just rolls of the tounge!!! Just kidding, but not really... :-)
Corey W. @ Jun 7th 2006 5:26PM
Ryan,
Don't worry about it, I started buying CRAFTSMAN products because of the name, concerning my tools, 10 years later, it was a good decision. ;-)
Good news on the hybrid end, can't wait to see the applications from this team up...
Ryan @ Jun 7th 2006 5:35PM
Thanks Corey!
CRAFTSMAN is a great choice, hell I just liked the name and looks of this dishwasher. Plus now that I know it is the same company, how cool would a kitchen full of Bosch brand appliances be?!!! And now hybrid drive, this will be a great way to lessen the cost of hybrid cars, if hybrid cars are your thing.
whofan @ Jun 7th 2006 5:35PM
" to buy something because you liked the name is stupid."
Tell that to all the Toyota lovers here!
Richard Warren @ Jun 7th 2006 9:57PM
I have a Bosch stove and love it.
AM` @ Jun 7th 2006 10:08PM
Hey #8,
I have a Bosch 14V cordless drill/driver-it's really reliable...almost like a Toyota!
whofan @ Jun 7th 2006 10:44PM
Hey #8,
I have a Bosch 14V cordless drill/driver-it's really reliable...almost like a Toyota!
In my book its a lot better!
Ian @ Jun 8th 2006 11:05AM
Does anyone care about what's really going on here? These "motor in the drive train" (serial) hybrids are actually holding us back. Sure, they're better than nothing, but the complexity is high and the payoff is low.
So, why do automakers do keep on making serial hybrids? Well, from everything I've read, the parallel drive train system is too simple and reliable. Cars built using an AC traction motor will not need a transmission and may last well over 1 million miles.
A parallel hybrid has an on board electric generator that will also be straight forward and require less maintenance. So how will these car companies make money if they sell us a car with a drive train that will last 1 million miles and need servicing every 25 - 50 thousand miles?
This isn't a conspiracy theory. This is a business problem that hasn't been figured out yet. Imagine...you buy a Gillette razor and the blade on it lasts forever. Gillette would loose the real source of their revenue, the replacement blades. So the blades are made of a softer steel and they put those little rubbery strips on the blade that wear out. Sure they could use materials that last a lifetime and then charge you more, but it just isn't as profitable in the end.
In any case, there are a lot of smaller efforts in parallel hybrid systems that will force the hand of the automakers to finally accept a more mechanically simple solution. They'll just have to figure out how to keep us coming back for more.
Takeo @ Jun 8th 2006 11:23AM
Now this is a smart idea, it'll let people into the Hybrid game that never really thought about it before, leveraging existing designs with minimal re-working. In addition a lot of the wasted gasoline in this country comes from idling in stopped traffic or at lights, shutting down during this period alone is good for a 5-10% increase in MPG. Bosch electronics in German cars aren't known for outstanding reliability however.
Lithous @ Jun 8th 2006 9:47PM
"CRAFTSMAN is a great choice"
Not sure for how long. Used to be Craftsman meant U.S. made or comparable. Sears tools would be made in China. Now more and more Craftsman tools are made in China. I guess since everyone else makes their stuff there the Craftsman tools could still be best of the crappy Chinese made tools.