Transmission specialist Oerlikon Graziano is showcasing its 4-speed electric transmission, the 4SED (4 Speed Electric Drive).

This new compact, lightweight transmission features increased efficiency, seamlessly smooth shifting and a scalable design, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicle types.

A 4SED has been fitted to a Mercedes Vito minibus and wil be on show at Cenex LCV 2014, from 10-11 September. 4SED, based on Graziano’s original eDCT, uses two small electric motors instead of a single large unit. By providing four ratios, the motors run close to their peak efficiency for more of the time, and shifts are accomplished without interrupting the drive.

Overall energy consumption is reduced by up to 15% compared to a single-speed transmission, which translates into increased range or improved performance.

The technology is scalable to suit a wide range of different vehicle types, urban electric cars, high performance cars, hybrid 4WD applications, electric city buses and trucks. It is suitable also for applications with 48V motors, allowing significant cost savings and reducing risks of high voltage.

4SED is truly innovative, it is seamless, it is clutch less and it needs no synchronizer. We intend to be a key partner developer/manufacturer of Zero Emissions Driveline Systems for all the OEMs playing in this increasingly relevant automotive sector.