SKF has developed a novel solution to an emerging problem in electric vehicle (EV) powertrain design. The SKF Conductive brush ring provides a reliable electrical connection between an EV eAxle rotor shaft and its housing, which increases eAxle lifetime expectations. When used in combination with SKF Hybrid ceramic ball bearings, it helps to even further alleviate parasitic current effects that can lead to premature failure in bearings and other components.

The international automotive supplier Forvia Hella receives the John Deere Award in the sustainability category. The leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery honors Forvia Hella for its heat recovery system at the Großpetersdorf site in Austria. The system saves around 175,000 kilowatt hours of natural gas per year and therefore around 32,000 kilograms of CO₂. The award was presented at the John Deere European Supplier Conference in March 2024 in Mannheim, Germany.

The inaugural North American version of the Lubricant Expo and The Bearing Show took place last week at Huntington Place in Detroit. A vibrant conference/education schedule balanced an informative group of exhibitors discussing component challenges, system upgrades and future trends. Innovation in the automotive, transportation and energy industries is keeping R&D departments busier than ever. Here’s why: 

Siemens AG has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology (IDT) business of ebm-papst. The business, which employs around 650 people, includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems. These systems are used in free-range driverless transport systems. The planned acquisition will complement the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and strengthen Siemens’ position as a leading solutions provider for flexible production automation.

Voith air compressors are technological leaders and, especially in the truck sector, also represent a significant milestone on the road to more environmentally friendly mobility. Due to their two-stage compression with intermediate cooling, they greatly outperform single-stage air compressors in delivery mode. And this is with much lower energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Schaeffler announces the expansion of its operations in the U.S. with the addition of a new manufacturing facility focused on producing automotive electric mobility solutions. This announcement represents the company’s commitment to innovation and growth in the Americas region.

Linear guides can function reliably in challenging environments — such as Li-ion battery manufacturing — with careful selection, protection, and proper lubrication. IKO has extensive expertise and a wide range of protective accessories available to create a custom product that will perform trouble-free.

Eaton recently announced that Ben Sheen, chief engineer, Eaton’s Mobility Group, was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for the Gear Research Institute (GRI) at Penn State University. The GRI is affiliated with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) to conduct research and development, consulting and analysis for gear related needs. 

The European Union is currently not “Fit for 55” regarding its self-defined target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 – particularly, when it comes to cutting emissions in the mobility sector. This was the essence of the 7th international FEV Zero CO₂ Mobility Conference in Berlin.

ZF continues its pursuit of Next Generation Mobility across passenger car as well as the spectrum of light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles with a planned $500 million investment in its Gray Court, South Carolina, facility. Offering everything from traditional ICE to e-mobility technologies, for both passenger car and commercial vehicle applications, ZF Gray Court is officially the company’s first North American flex manufacturing facility.