Swiss-based Oerlikon and German automotive supplier Continental have agreed to partner for the development and marketing of integrated motor and transmission systems for hybrid and electric vehicles.

As per the agreed terms, the partners will enhance electrified powertrains’ efficiency by optimizing both the electric motor and the transmission.

The alliance noted that the electrical energy can be more efficiently converted into propulsion if the transmission spread and the number and placing of shift points are precisely matched to the characteristics of the electric motor, which will also lead to a reduction in system costs and weight.

Commenting on the collaboration, Oerlikon Graziano Italy Performance Automotive head Paolo Mantelli said that the collaboration will enable the partner companies to enhance electric powertrain efficiency.

Continental Powertrain Hybrid Electric Vehicle Business Unit Research and Development head Ralf Schmid said, "Electric drive is a field where integrated system-level optimization is the only way to offer significantly improved customer benefits. And that is precisely what this cooperation is all about."