A PEEK UNDER THE HOOD: TODAY'S GROUNDBREAKING ENGINES - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1821

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week delves into the complex landscape of modern vehicle powertrains, featuring insights from Volkswagen's Oliver Schmidt, XL Hybrids' Tod Hynes, and BorgWarner's Chris Thomas. The panel highlights the industry's challenge in marketing diverse powertrain options to consumers, with Volkswagen focusing on turbocharged direct-injection engines, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. XL Hybrids targets commercial fleets with hybrid electric powertrains, emphasizing total cost of ownership and a strong ROI, citing a 3x return for Coca-Cola. BorgWarner discusses its role in supplying components for various technologies, including turbochargers for smaller engines and systems for fuel cells and electric vehicles. A key takeaway is the consumer's price sensitivity, with gas prices significantly influencing the adoption of greener technologies, particularly in the US. The discussion also touches on the growing importance of 48-volt mild-hybrid systems as a cost-effective way to meet stringent fuel economy regulations, especially in Europe, and the ongoing evolution of transmission technology with increasing numbers of gears.