AMT Powertrain System for Battery Electric Buses
AMT Powertrain System for Battery Electric Buses: Enhancing Efficiency and Performance The transition to battery electric buses has become a key focus for bus manufacturers and cities aiming to reduce emissions and improve public transport sustainability. In recent years, some bus manufacturers have shifted from traditional direct-drive systems to e-powertrain systems that include Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for battery electric buses (BEB). But what does this mean for electric bus performance, and how does it affect the overall driving experience? What is an AMT Powertrain System for BEB? The direct drive system delivers power directly from the motor to the rear axle, offering a simple, reliable, and efficient design. In contrast, the AMT e-powertrain system utilizes a gearshifting mechanism to transmit motor torque to the rear axle, allowing for optimized performance and energy efficiency by adjusting the gear ratios. AMT Powertrain System vs Direct Drive System: Performance In fact, not all BEBs should be equipped with an AMT system. Compared to the conventional direct-drive system, electric buses with AMT have both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a 12-meter battery electric bus as an example to focus on the power performance comparison between AMT powertrain and direct-drive systems. System Parameters AMT Powertrain Direct Drive System Total Weight 260 kg 364 kg Maximum Torque 3730 N.m 2800 N.m Length 716 mm 470 mm Width 614 mm 603 mm Height 592 mm 592 mm For a 12-meter BEB, the electric motor in the AMT powertrain system has a rated power of 80 kW, whereas the direct-drive system uses a more powerful 100 kW electric motor. However, the motor in the AMT system can reach a maximum speed of 3500 rpm, which is higher than the motor speed (3000 rpm) in the direct-drive system. Electric buses with AMT powertrain systems offer better hill-climbing ability (23%) and can achieve higher speeds (14%), though the acceleration time may be slightly longer due to the shifting process. Motor Parameters AMT Powertrain System Direct-Drive System Rated Power 80 kW 100 kW Peak Power 140 kW 200 kW Rated Torque 600 N.m 1250 N.m Peak Torque 1000 N.m 2800 N.m Maximum Speed 3500 rpm 3000 rpm Maximum Gradeability 23% 14% Maximum Vehicle Speed 116 km/h 107 km/h 0-50 km/h Time 16 s 13.4 s In terms of system efficiency during normal operation, the two types of systems are quite different. When comparing system efficiency at different speeds, we find that the direct-drive system performs more efficiently in the 40-60 km/h range, with lower overall energy consumption. However, in the speed ranges below 40 km/h and above 60 km/h, the AMT powertrain system outperforms, showing lower overall energy consumption. Overall, when considering a wider range of driving conditions, the AMT system tends to offer better energy efficiency. In typical urban driving conditions, the electric bus equipped with the AMT system has a simulated energy consumption of 68.3 kWh per 100 km, with actual test results showing 68.6 kWh per 100 km. In contrast, the electric bus using a direct-drive system has a simulated consumption of 72.5 kWh per 100 km, with test results showing 73.3 kWh per 100 km. AMT Powertrain System vs Direct Drive System: Cost Considerations Cost is another significant factor for bus manufacturers. While the AMT system offers enhanced perofrmance, the cost implications depend on the bus’s torque demands. For buses with lower torque requirements, the direct drive system may be more cost-effective. However, for high-torque applications, such as large electric buses, the AMT system proves more economical. By using smaller motors with the AMT system, bus manufacturers can reduce motor costs without sacrificing power, resulting in a more affordable overall vehicle. In essence, when the required torque exceeds 1500 N.m, the AMT powertrain system becomes the more cost-effective choice. Larger buses with higher power demands benefit the most from AMT technology, offering both cost savings and better performance. AMT Powertrain System vs Direct Drive System: Comfort & Reliability Beyond performance and cost, comfort and reliability are crucial factors for any bus manufacturer. AMT powertrain systems do introduce gear shifts, which can cause slight interruptions in power delivery and reduce comfort compared to direct drive systems, which offer smoother acceleration. However, technological improvements in AMT design can mitigate these discomforts. For example, the shifting process can be optimized to minimize interruptions, thus improving the passenger experience. From a reliability perspective, the complexity of the AMT system theoretically makes it less reliable than direct drive systems. However, through rigorous design and quality control, these concerns can be addressed. For instance, AMT products can be designed with durability in mind, achieving similar reliability levels as direct-drive systems. Additionally, the AMT system’s lightweight design, compared to traditional systems, contributes to overall vehicle weight reduction. Our AMT Powertrain Systems for Electric Commercial Vehicles At Brogen, we offer e-powertrain systems based on AMT technology, utilizing PMSM for drive. The AMT is co-axially connected to the motor, taking advantage of the gearbox’s speed control and torque-boosting features. This enables a smaller motor to achieve the same performance as a larger direct-drive motor, while also enhancing the vehicle’s adaptability and efficiency. Our e-powertrain system with AMT ranges from 60 kW to 550 kW, making it suitable for applications in buses, trucks, heavy commercial vehicles, municipal vehicles, and loaders. Motor Power / Torque Transmission Maximum Motor Speed Maximum Output Torque Applicable Vehicles 300/500 N.m, 60/120 kW 2-speed: 2.73/1 5000 rpm 1365 N.m 4.5-7T truck 350/850 N.m, 75/120 kW 2-speed: 2.741/1 5000 rpm 2330 N.m 7-12T truck 500/1100 N.m, 80/160 kW 2-speed: 2.741/1 4500 rpm 3015 N.m 8-10M bus, 11-14T truck 500/1300 N.m, 120/185 kW 2-speed: 2.741/1 3500 rpm 3380 N.m 10M, 12M bus 500/1100 N.m, 100/185 kW 4-speed: 6.61/3.52/1.89/1 3500 rpm 7000 N.m 14-18T truck, specialty vehicles 850/1950 N.m, 180/300 kW 4-speed: 8.39/3.54/1.74/1 3500 rpm 16360 N.m 25-30T truck 1200/2400 N.m, 250/380 kW 4-speed: 8.39/3.54/1.74/1 3500 rpm 20136 N.m 31-49T truck 1500/2400 N.m, 270/405 kW 4-speed: 8.39/3.54/1.74/1 3500 rpm 20136 N.m 35-60T truck 1500/2400 N.m, 300/450 kW 4-speed: 8.39/3.54/1.74/1 3500 rpm 20136 N.m 60-90T truck