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Revolutionary DB49 Gearbox Transforms Hybrid Driving Experience
In a significant technological leap for the automotive industry, the DB49 gearbox, developed by Horse Powertrain, is set to become a crucial component for future hybrid and electric vehicles. The new gearbox is making its debut in the Renault Rafale, offering a seamless adaptation to the Rafale's engine requirements and its plug-in hybrid architecture.
The DB49 gearbox is a world-first, marking a new era of automotive transmissions. It is an evolution of the previous DB35 transmission, but with radical improvements in performance and sustainability promised for future iterations. One of its standout features is its clutchless design, which replaces the clutch with two electric motors for propulsion and gear shifting.
The DB49 transmission is compatible with electric, hybrid, and combustion vehicles, making it a versatile solution for various automotive applications. The gearbox has been specifically designed for the new Renault Rafale, and its integration into the vehicle offers perfect adaptation to the Rafale's engine requirements.
The DB49 gearbox is regulated by the Power Electronics Box (PEB), an integrated state-of-the-art electronic unit produced in Aveiro, Spain. The PEB technology enables software and hardware optimization that significantly reduces battery consumption and maximizes the vehicle's electric range.
The innovative design of the DB49 gearbox aims to transform our driving experience by redefining performance and energy efficiency, leading to smoother and more economical driving. The gearbox can manage a maximum torque of 347 lb-ft and transmit peak electrical power of 47 horsepower, while weighing only 218 lbs, making it a compact and efficient solution.
The DB49 gearbox allows electric-only starts up to about 30 km/h without the need for a traditional clutch, since the electric motor can run without stalling. It uses a piloted dog clutch (crabot piloté) to lock gears solidly onto their shafts, and the electric motor is connected to the first gear. The clever design allows reversing by simply running the electric motor in reverse direction, eliminating the need for a dedicated reverse gear.
The gearbox also can engage multiple gears simultaneously for optimized power blending: for example, the electric motor may run in first gear while the combustion engine runs in second gear during sportier driving, maximizing torque and response.
The benefits of this DB49 gearbox system include enhanced efficiency through optimized gear ratios and modes tailored to driving conditions, smooth, clutchless electric starts and reversals, seamless power blending in hybrid mode for increased performance, improved responsiveness and power delivery in sport mode by engaging multiple gears dynamically, and a compact, innovative design that simplifies hybrid drivetrain mechanics by removing the need for some traditional components.
Horse Powertrain, a British company co-owned by Renault and the Geely Group, continues to innovate in response to changing global market needs. The launch of the DB49 in Seville signifies a significant technological milestone in the automotive industry, with the DB49 gearbox aiming to reduce fuel consumption and emissions cutbacks. The advent of this new gearbox is set to revolutionize the way we drive hybrid vehicles, offering a smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable driving experience.
[1] Source: Horse Powertrain press release, 2021.
- The DB49 gearbox, a revolutionary technology from Horse Powertrain, is poised to revolutionize the automotive industry, becoming a vital component for future hybrid and electric vehicles.
- The DB49 gearbox, a world-first and an evolution of the DB35 transmission, promises significant improvements in performance, sustainability, and lifestyle for various automotive applications.
- With a clutchless design and compatibility with electric, hybrid, and combustion vehicles, the DB49 transmission is an innovative solution expected to redefine the driving experience of electric vehicles.
- The innovative DB49 gearbox is regulated by the Power Electronics Box (PEB), an advanced electronic unit, which optimizes battery consumption, maximizes the vehicle's electric range, and contributes to sustainability.
- The DB49 gearbox offers enhanced features such as smoother, clutchless electric starts and reversals, optimized power blending in hybrid mode for increased performance, improved responsiveness, and a compact, efficient design that simplifies hybrid drivetrain mechanics.
- As Horse Powertrain continues to innovate in response to changing global market needs, the launch of the DB49 gearbox represents a significant technological milestone in the automotive industry, aimed at reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and offering a more enjoyable driving experience in hybrid vehicles.
