When realising hybrid systems, the main layout options available range from P0-P4 architectures to PS (powersplit), with a few "in-between" architectures penetrating the market in recent years. The key point of differentiation is the positioning of the e-machine in relation to the combustion engine – it can be connected to the combustion engine or the transmission, at the engine output or sit at the transmission output/input.
Add-on hybrid technologies heavily dominated the hybrid market in the early days, where low-voltage e-machine could be added to the existing system. This allowed the adaptation of an existing market vehicle to a hybridised platform and improved overall efficiency and emissions while maintaining high performance. Although first architectures provided a reliable bridging option, the available installation space often left little room for additional components: the e-motor, an inverter and a battery, making the upgrades and integration more complex. The different requirements of different customers continuously call for better, more efficient drive systems. As a result, P2 and P4 solutions, in particular, have become increasingly popular since they offer more advantages from a technical point of view, allowing more packaging space in some cases due to the different positioning of the components and, therefore, easier integration. But even though the sales numbers of some architectures spiked more than others, it would be wrong to assume that they represent one fits all solutions. The differences in architectures bear many potentials for different application purposes, and therefore each architecture can be the most efficient solution respectively.
By adding an electric motor, a battery and different voltage levels, the number of possible drive variants nowadays becomes nearly infinite. hofer powertrain develops hybrid drives and systems with conventional architectures and allows scalability in terms of performance, covering all vehicle segments of mobility. We also go beyond and tailor solutions or develop new concepts for individual needs. Sometimes it means combining the advantages of different neighbouring architectures to eliminate their respective disadvantages.
Get in touch with our experts to talk about your hybrid drive project. Our engineers bring years of experience and work holistically, ensuring reliable and high-quality realisation with outstanding results.
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