Amsted Automotive debuts multi-functional clutch technologies for EVs, HEVs

Amsted Automotive displayed a cache of multi-functional clutch technologies with benefits in ICE, EV and HEV platforms at the 24th annual VDI Dritev Congress in Baden-Baden, Germany.

John Jennings, Amsted director of innovation and eMobility, presented the latest Amsted multi-functional clutch system, enabling next-generation multi-speed EV powertrains. These systems use Amsted Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC) technology One-Way-Clutch (OWC) already used in a production EV all-wheel-drive vehicle since 2021. The company said this technology can be used in both parallel-axis and co-axial powertrain systems. One variation eliminates friction clutches for reduced drag, improved efficiency and improved sustainability metrics.

The company also displayed its eAxle disconnect system, which enables seamless and quick engagement and disengagement of a drive axle in all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive EVs, Amsted said. It also features a bi-stable magnetic latch, eliminating power consumption while in state. Overall, Amsted said this eAxle disconnect system provides up to 10% extended driving range.

According to Amsted, both of these systems have advantages over dog-clutch style systems, including:

No blocked or interrupted shifts;
No ratcheting during shifts;
Simplified system controls;
Additional functionality such as park-lock;
Easier calibration, reducing engineering loads.

Additional Amsted technologies on display included a wheel-end disconnect system designed for commercial vehicle applications and torque management systems using Amsted Controllable Mechanical Diodes (CMD) and Mechanical Diodes (MD) in production automatic transmissions. The use of Amsted CMD and MD technologies in these transmissions reduces drag and friction, and the system also minimizes packaging space and mass, the company said.

Fisker Group Inc. (Fisker), the operating subsidiary of Fisker Inc., announced that it filed for Chapter 11 protection in the District of Delaware on June 17. The company said it's in advanced discussions with financial stakeholders regarding debtor-in-possession financing and the sale of its assets.

"Fisker has made incredible progress since our founding, bringing the Ocean SUV to market twice as fast as expected in the auto industry and making good on our promises to deliver the most sustainable vehicle in the world," said a Fisker spokesperson in a press release. "We are proud of our achievements, and we have put thousands of Fisker Ocean SUVs in customers' hands in both North America and Europe. But, like other companies in the electric vehicle industry, we have faced various market and macroeconomic headwinds that have impacted our ability to operate efficiently. After evaluating all options for our business, we determined that proceeding with a sale of our assets under Chapter 11 is the most viable path forward for the company."