Powertrain Architecture

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 are your Powertrain needs?

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.