Meeting the Unique Challenges of the Automotive Industry’s E-Mobility Era

Although both the internal combustion engine and electrified powertrains are expected to grow, Freudenberg is planning on electric vehicles reaching significant volumes by 2025 and beyond. This means that automakers and suppliers are already getting immersed in the product and solution needs specific to E-Mobility advancement.

“Our current focus is two-fold,” said Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “We want to help make internal combustion engines more efficient with our solutions, but dually, we are channeling a serious amount of focus into developing components for the new powertrain technologies that will shape the mobility of the future.”

To achieve this, Freudenberg has tapped into its global network of material, engineering and manufacturing experts to design seals that address crucial requirements for optimal E-Mobility powertrains, including thermal management, power efficiency, friction and weight reduction, and compact installation spaces.

“Batteries with a high power density will have a corresponding need for cooling,” said Möhlenkamp. “Having a variety of seal types is indispensable for the transmissions of electrically-driven vehicles. Not to mention, the housings for sophisticated control electronics must be sealed as well.”

Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies

Freudenberg is also addressing the concern of keeping small volume production of electric vehicles cost-effective by offering a seal for traction battery housings. The patented “Profile to Gasket” concept (P2G) was developed for production volumes of up to 5,000 batteries annually.

Dynamic seals are also needed in electric motors, and Simmerring® Shaft Seals remain indispensable in the transmissions of electrically-powered vehicles. A Simmerring® Shaft Seal featuring a conductive nonwoven element not only saves weight and space but also reduces the risk of a shaft becoming electrically charged and damaging the gearbox.

Freudenberg’s innovative products are also assisting manufacturers with optimization of traditioal internal combustion engines. The company provides solutions such as the Energy Saving Seal (ESS), which can lower friction by up to 40 percent in multi-directional applications, and its Low Friction Simmerring® Shaft Seal (LFS), which reduces friction by as much as 20 percent.

In addition, the benefits of Freudenberg’s 2K Plug & Seal for electric vehicles and hybrids are numerous, offering a reduction in system weight, design customization, complex sealing geometries and chemical bonding between the component’s hard and soft materials, which eliminates potential leakage. The company also offers Encoders, Edge Bonded Seals, Plug and Seal components and Coated Embossed Gaskets for all powertrain technologies.

More information on Freudenberg Sealing Technologies activities in electric mobility can be found here.

Visitors to NAIAS are invited to view all of Freudenberg’s innovative sealing solutions Jan. 16-18, 2018 at its display at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Detroit Riverfront in the Pontchartrain Room.