The new engine manufacturer Horse Powertrain, of which Renault is a part, has developed a gearbox with as many as 15 gears and no clutch.
Renault's new gearbox stands out significantly from its competitors. First, it has 15 gears. Second, it has no clutch.
The gearbox was developed by Horse Powertrain, a partly English company owned by Renault and Geely Group, and has just entered production. It will be used in the Renault Rafale plug-in hybrid.
One of the gearbox's biggest quirks is the clutch. Or rather, the lack of one. Instead, the system uses two electric motors that both propel the car forward and handle the gear changes.
The gearbox, which will first and foremost be installed in the Renault Rafale plug-in hybrid, is, according to the manufacturer, the first gearbox developed solely by Horse Powertrain . It can be used in electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles.
The gearbox is controlled by a so-called Power Electronics Box (PEB). Technically, the DB49 gearbox, as it is called, is designed without a traditional clutch mechanism.
Thanks to the many gear ratios and the two electric motors, it can generate up to 15 different gear combinations. This means the gearbox can handle up to 470 Nm without any other modifications.
The total weight of the gearbox is 99 kg, making it relatively light compared to its advanced features.
Its design allows for optimizing performance and fuel efficiency in vehicles, while reducing complexity compared to traditional transmission systems.
With its technical capabilities, Horse Powertrains believes that it can support the transition to more and more electrified drive systems.
What's unique about the gearbox is its use of electric motors for gear changes. This eliminates the need for a clutch, resulting in a smoother ride and potentially lower maintenance requirements. At least if you ask Renault and the Chinese.
Renault's decision to use the gearbox type in the Rafale model is part of a broader strategy to optimize efficiency in future vehicles. The combination of innovation and functionality makes the gearbox interesting in the automotive industry.
The new gearbox highlights how car manufacturers are exploring new ways to improve driving performance and energy consumption. Renault's gearbox is a step towards offering modern solutions for both current and future car models.
