Update on FEV's 'Automated Manual' 7-Speed Transmission for Hybrids
By John O'Dell March 11, 2010
When we posted our piece Wednesday on Michigan-based powertrain engineering company FEV Inc.'s new "torque-blending" transmission for hybrids, we had the company's broad claims about its performance but no response to our request for specifics.
Now the answers are here.
FEV chief engineer Kiran Govindswamy called back to tell us that the compact, electronically assisted 7-speed manual (it shifts like an automatic) is designed for front-wheel drive vehicles and for both gas-electric and diesel-electric hybrids - a potential money-saver for automakers who typically have to have different transmissions for each type because of the diesel's increased torque.
The new hybrid transmission has gearing that will enable a hybrid to travel at speeds of up to 45 miles an hour in all-electric drive for as long as the battery's state of charge permits. Most conventional hybrids now top out at 32 miles an hour or less in all-electric mode.
He explained the "torque blending" concept as the ability of the transmission to eliminate the typical bump, or power jolt, that accompanies up- and down-shifts by using the electric motor's torque to smooth out the transition when the clutch disengages the internal combustion engine as the gear change is being made.
Govindswamy also said that FEV believes the 7H-AMT transmission can improve fuel economy as much as 15 percent compared to conventional automatic transmissions in hybrid powertrains and that fuel savings could hit 30 percent if the hybrid is equipped with a direct-injection or other "improved efficiency" combustion engine.
Finally, he said, FEV is talking to a number of major automakers about supplying the transmission for their hybrids and has set mass production dates with several clients. He declined to identify them, however.
And for those who keep track of such things 7H-AMT stands for 7 (speed) Hybrid-Automated Manual Transmission.
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