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Right: Plug-in to the EV opportunities I n the midst of COVID-19, it might be hard to keep looking ahead, but the future is still on the way. Take EVs and hybrids as an example. While it might seem to be a minor concern at present, cast your mind back a few months. In February, the UK government announced a decision to bring forward its ban on new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars from 2040 to 2035 – and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, did not rule out the ban being introduced as early as 2032. Jeff Earl, Marketing Comms Manager at Schaeffler, commented: “The ban is part of the government’s strategy to move drivers over to fully- electric vehicles, thus helping the UK meet a ‘net zero’ emissions target by 2050. This puts renewed pressure on vehicle manufacturer technology partners, like Schaeffler, to provide the components and systems to power the vehicles of tomorrow. “Schaeffler’s own research and analysis shows that by 2030 there is likely to be a 30/40/30 split in the light vehicle segment; where 30% of vehicles will still have just an internal combustion engine (ICE), 40% will have a hybrid powertrain, combining electric motors with an ICE, and the remaining 30% will be purely electrically powered. “In cities and towns, vehicle emissions are being scrupulously observed and actions are being taken to reduce them. Bristol, for example, is set to become the UK’s first city to ban diesel cars from entering parts of the city in a bid to cut its air pollution and charge owners of commercial vehicles to enter a certain area.” Jeff added: “By already providing advanced parts and systems for vehicles with integrated Stop/Start technology and 48V e-components, to hybrid vehicles with smaller fossil fuel powered engines and pure electrics, Schaeffler is securing its place as a valuable technical partner. Of course, all these new components and systems need to be maintained and repaired, and as an OE supplier at the forefront of the technological evolution towards electrification.” Progress As we have seen, the increasing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles has required parts manufacturers to evolve existing technologies and develop entirely new ones for these engine types. DENSO Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich commented: “As more initiatives are put in place to encourage carbuyers towards EVs and hybrids, the need for forward-thinking has never been greater. “Since introducing an e-compressor with integrated inverter for hybrid cars in 2005, there have been several DENSO breakthroughs which have contributed to the rapid increase of electrified parts. “An integrated hybrid control computer, battery monitoring unit, DC- DC converter, superior battery cooling system and high-output power control unit (PCU) are all evidence of DENSO’s innovative stance on electrification. DENSO is also responsible for the continued improvement and evolution of parts for hybridised powertrains. “As a replacement for conventional starters and alternators, DENSO has crafted a motor-generator (MG) stator for use in hybrid vehicles. The MG component performs several functions, including starting and assisting the engine, generating electric power and driving the axles. Several significant developments have already been made with this range of specialised products. Drawing on the experience used to create the segment conductor (SC) alternator, DENSO developed a completely new MG stator for the Prius that is smaller and lighter by more than 20% compared to the previous generation, which helps the vehicle achieve a fuel economy of 40km/L.” Fatiha continued: “DENSO was responsible for the world’s first mass- produced electric compressor with an integrated inverter and motor. While conventional compressors are driven by the engine, making them unsuitable for use in hybrid vehicles, 44 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2020 EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net With everything in flux, new revenue opportunities are vital. EVs and hybrids are a growing segment and you can reap the rewards if you get prepared... HIGH VOLTAGE – BIG OPPORTUNITY