Most people think cars with features like the ones described above are good, but also very expensive. Not if a system like the eAMT goes into volume production in the future. eAMT is short for electrified Automated Manual Transmission and that is exactly what it is. Recently, ZF introduced a prototype vehicle equipped with the eAMT to customers and journalists: “It demonstrates that a full-featured plug-in hybrid drive along with comfortable automated gear shifting can be installed relatively easily in inexpensive vehicles,” explains Norman Schmidt-Winkel. “In addition, eAMT increases flexibility for vehicle manufacturers. It can be installed in existing front-transverse platforms and in both conventional and electrified drives,” adds Schmidt-Winkel, a function developer in Electric Traction Drive Business Unit at ZF, as he lists further advantages.

The electric motor solves a typical problem in automated manual transmissions very elegantly: It bridges the unavoidable thrust interruptions that occur in the AMT when shifting gears and ensures strong and smooth acceleration. “To install a powerful electric motor that delivers the desired thrust in the shifting pauses for that reason alone would be too expensive,” says Mühlfeld and adds: “With the eAMT, we have now developed a hybrid drive with all the functionalities, including all-wheel drive and purely electric driving. At the same time, we are achieving a level of comfort and performance when shifting that is on par with that of converter or dual clutch transmissions.”

To date, more than 300 people have test-driven the compact SUV prototype vehicle equipped with the eAMT. The vehicle itself is based on a volume-produced vehicle for the Indian market. The feedback from these drivers was very similar: “From shifting comfort and acceleration to the unnoticeable transition between combustion engine and electric motor, everyone said after their test drives that the eAMT exceeded their expectations,” adds Mühlfeld with a smile in response to the general consensus. However, development is not yet completed. The team is working on additional features.