- Powerful new eTorque technology contributes to improved fuel economy and reductions in CO2 emissions
- Continental’s industry-first, liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive is part of the FCA US LLC eTorque mild-hybrid system, now available on iconic Jeep® Wrangler
- Marks the technology’s first application in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment and with a North American vehicle manufacturer
Regensburg, Nuremberg (Germany), Auburn Hills, Mich. (North America), January 16, 2019 – The technology company Continental today announced it is helping deliver the FCA US LLC eTorque mild-hybrid technology to the all-new Jeep® Wrangler. Continental’s industry-first, liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive supports the eTorque system, contributing to the SUV’s legendary performance, while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency.
Andreas Wolf, CEO of Continental Powertrain: “Electrification is a key component of future mobility. Combustion engine and electrification are complementary partners with regards to efficiency – means lower CO2 and fuel consumption – and with regards to emissions. Not to forget the driving fun, due to the electric 48-volt machine”.
“The Jeep Wrangler is an industry icon known for its all-terrain capability. Once again, it is blazing a new trail with its eTorque system, powered by Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive”, added Kregg Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Continental Powertrain, North America.
Industry-first, liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive system from Continental Powertrain is part of the all-new Jeep® Wrangler. © Continental AG
Improved fuel economy and driving comfort
Continental’s compact 48-volt Eco Drive with integrated power electronics contributes to the benefits eTorque technology offers, including better fuel economy, improved auto-start response, overall start-stop functionality and reduced noise levels.
Eco Drive provides up to 88.5 lb-ft (120 Nm) of torque delivered to the crank via the engine’s front-end accessory drive. This enables auto-starts in less than 0.5 sec.
The 31.5-lb (14.3-kg) Jeep version also helps maximize regenerative braking and offers an impressive 4.1 kW/L in power density.
Further, the technology helps deliver torque to the wheels more than twice as fast as a conventional 12-volt starter can accommodate. The liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive also spins the engine faster, making eTorque’s benefits more readily apparent.
Uncompromised power
“When our team began working on Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive for the Jeep Wrangler, we knew it would help deliver an incredible experience to drivers,” said Beyza Sarioglu, Head of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Business Unit at Continental, North America. “In addition to improving fuel economy, eTorque technology supports the vehicle’s performance, especially in extreme conditions.”
The liquid cooling of the Continental system’s Eco Drive and inverter results in uncompromised power – capable of delivering high performance at high ambient temperature.
The liquid cooling of the 48-Volt belt starter generator results in uncompromised power – capable of delivering high performance at high ambient temperature. © Continental AG
Versatile technology for many applications
Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive is based on a modular concept. This allows Continental to scale the technology to meet the power and performance demands of multiple vehicle classes, including the compact Renault Scénic diesel, Audi A8 performance sedan, and the high-volume Jeep Wrangler SUV. Additionally, consumers may experience the all-new eTorque technology in the 2019 Ram 1500, a 2019 Wards 10 Best Engines winner for its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.