Fallbrook Technologies (Fallbrook) along with global automotive consulting and technology development firm Advanced Strategic Leadership (ASL) Partners announced that China’s Shanghai (Yangpu District) government approved a proposal for an Electric Vehicle Design Center to develop prototype transmissions for electric vehicles leveraging Fallbrook’s NuVinci DeltaSeries technology. The approval follows the Yangpu District Government’s grant to ASL to operate an electric vehicle design center in the city, which officially opens today.
The NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission (earlier post) uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission that tilt to vary the speed of the transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. The NuVinci technology thereby combines the advantages of a toroidal traction CVT with the versatility of the planetary gear arrangement.
Fallbrook recently announced the results of a simulated field testing project with Chinese-based Chengdu Bus, Ltd., whereby the NuVinci DeltaSeries continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission, coupled with a 210cc AC compressor, replaced a 330cc compressor and generated projected annual fuel savings of up to $1,500 for bus air conditioning systems. We firmly believe that this revolutionary technology will bring about similar benefits in terms of increased performance and range for electric vehicles, and are looking forward to developing that potential in the near future.
—Rudolph Schlais, Chairman of ASL Partners and founding Chairman of Shanghai GM
Fallbrook and ASL formed an official business development partnership in April 2010. This initiative under that agreement will seek to develop a prototype electric vehicle using the NuVinci’s DeltaSeries system to demonstrate the performance and range potential of the system for commercialization partners.
MoU with TRW for commercial vehicles. In January, Fallbrook Technologies Inc. entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TRW Automotive US LLC jointly to explore the development of a number of possible applications for Fallbrook’s continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) technology for commercial vehicles.
The specific applications covered by the MOU were not disclosed but are designed to improve both system performance and efficiency, which would directly increase vehicle fuel efficiency.
Under the MOU the companies will continue to investigate development of these applications with the possibility of entering a definitive joint development agreement. Both companies expect negotiation of a joint development agreement to conclude in 2011.
This is yet another example of how our NuVinci technology has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint from vehicle use.
—William G. Klehm III, chairman and CEO of Fallbrook
Based on its research and testing, Fallbrook believes that CVADs have significant potential as a “clean” technology, because improved accessory performance can result in improved fuel economy. A vehicle’s accessories, such as the air conditioner, power steering pump, water pump, or alternator, draw power from the engine and impact the vehicle’s fuel efficiency when they are running at speeds that are above or below their optimum rpm.