POWERTRAIN ARCHITECTURE
We engineer the core architecture of drivetrains for both automotive and motorsportapplications.
INTERNAL COMBUSTION
The design of an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain begins
with defining the overall concept layout and system architecture,
which are critical to meeting performance, efficiency, and packaging
goals.
At this stage, we determine the engine configuration, such as; inline,
V-type or flat, as well as the number of cylinders and displacement,
which directly influence the engine’s balance, size, and power
characteristics.
The layout must also consider how the engine integrates with the
transmission system, whether this is manual, automatic, or
continuously variable unit, and how torque is delivered to the drive
wheels.
The packaging of these elements within the vehicle’s chassis
requires close coordination between mechanical and thermal
systems to ensure optimal weight distribution, cooling, and
serviceability.
Ultimately, the powertrain architecture serves as the foundation
upon which performance targets, emissions compliance, and vehicle
dynamics are built.
ELECTRIC
Designing and engineering an electric powertrain involves
rethinking traditional vehicle architecture to leverage the
unique advantages of electric propulsion.
At its core, an electric powertrain consists of an electric
motor, a high-voltage battery pack, a power electronics unit
(including the inverter and onboard charger), and a
transmission, often simplified to a single-speed gearbox.
Our engineers focus on optimizing the layout to maximize
efficiency, range, and thermal management while
maintaining vehicle performance and safety.
Motor placement, whether integrated into the axle (e-axle),
centrally mounted, or wheel-hub based, affects handling
dynamics, packaging, and drivetrain complexity.
Battery pack design is especially critical, as it determines
energy capacity, weight distribution, and crash safety
performance. Integration of regenerative braking systems,
precise torque vectoring, and advanced software controls
further enhances efficiency and drivability.
As electric powertrains continue to evolve, innovations in
silicon carbide electronics, solid-state batteries, and
modular architectures are shaping the future of clean, high-
performance mobility.
HYBRID
Hybrid powertrains offer several mechanical advantages: they
enable engine downsizing, reduce wear on combustion components
through electric assistance, and allow for regenerative braking
systems that improve overall efficiency.
However, they also present challenges, including; increased system
complexity, higher vehicle mass, packaging constraints due to the
addition of batteries and electric motors, and higher development
and integration costs.
We help navigate these trade-offs through detailed mechanical
design and vehicle layout to find the optimal package for a balance
between cooling, mass, handling, drag, noise, cost and more.
We specialize in the mechanical integration of key systems, such as;
engine, electric motor, transmission, battery, and cooling, into a
cohesive architecture for both Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
(PHEVs) and conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).
PHEVs typically require larger battery packs and onboard charging
hardware, which adds mass and complexity to the layout but allows
for extended all-electric driving range and improved fuel economy.
HEVs, while generally simpler in electrical architecture, demand
highly efficient mechanical integration to enable seamless
transitions between electric and combustion modes within tighter
packaging and weight constraints.
What powertrain do you need?
The powertrain is the core of any vehicle, defining its performance and efficiency. Whether you’re focused on traditional combustion, hybrid innovation, or the future of electric, selecting the optimal powertrain is key to achieving your goals. What powertrain do you need? Talk to one of our engineers today.
