Schaeffler’s MultiMode dedicated hybrid transmission enters volume production with up to 145 kW

Schaeffler is set to begin volume production of its MultiMode dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) this year, collaborating with several European and Asian vehicle manufacturers. Unveiled at the 2026 Vienna Motor Symposium, the MultiMode DHT is a compact, integrated unit delivering up to 145 kW of peak power. It combines two electric machines, power electronics, and hydraulic systems for clutch actuation, cooling, and parking lock into a single 125 kg module, supported by Schaeffler’s proprietary software and control systems. The transmission supports three driving modes—electric-only, serial, and parallel—with the serial mode enabling the internal combustion engine (ICE) to operate at a fixed efficiency point, optimising fuel consumption during hybrid operation. In addition to the MultiMode DHT, Schaeffler highlighted several production-ready components designed for hybrid ICE applications. Among these is the spoke damper, a torsional vibration absorber integrated directly into the crankcase, which reduces friction and packaging volume by eliminating the need for an external crankshaft seal. This component is already in volume production with Chinese manufacturers, with further production ramp-ups planned for later in 2026. The company also showcased its latest camshaft phasing technology, utilising brushless DC motors with integrated electronics to provide variable valve timing across a wide range of engine loads and speeds, which began production at Schaeffler’s Taicang plant in China last year. Schaeffler’s portfolio has expanded through its 2024 merger with Vitesco Technologies, adding a Flex Fuel sensor that measures ethanol content in real time between the fuel tank and engine. This sensor is particularly aimed at markets where renewable fuel blends are increasingly used, reflecting Schaeffler’s commitment to supporting diverse powertrain technologies. The company forecasts that by 2035, hybrids will account for approximately 30 percent of global new vehicle production, with ICE-only vehicles declining to around 20 percent. Regional disparities are significant, with Japan expected to see hybrids make up roughly 77 percent of new vehicle production by that time. CEO Matthias Zink emphasised the importance of incremental improvements in emissions reduction, stating, “Every gram of CO₂ saved counts.” Schaeffler’s developments underscore the company’s strategic focus on hybrid powertrains as a sustainable, long-term solution rather than merely a transitional technology. With growing demand for hybrid systems outside Europe, the MultiMode DHT and complementary components position Schaeffler as a key supplier in the evolving automotive landscape, supporting manufacturers’ efforts to meet increasingly stringent emissions targets worldwide.