World premier: Schaeffler shows future-oriented bio hybrid

As a leading innovator with a large number of technologies, which make mobility more economical, environmentally-friendly and safer, Schaeffler is also working on new mobility solutions. With the bio hybrid, the automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is now presenting an innovative micro-mobility concept during the “auto motor und sport” congress. This study shows how the company envisages a solution for urban mobility. Mobility in transition Irrespective of whether with a car, train, airplane or bicycle, the volume of traffic in urban centers continues to increase and is changing the ways in which people get around. At the same time, the wish for emission-free, clean mobility is leading to a political rethink and is giving rise to new, individual mobility solutions in urban centers. On this basis, Schaeffler analyzed areas of application and future requirements for individual forms of mobility according to its holistic strategy concept “mobility for tomorrow”. The result is the bio hybrid from Schaeffler. “All-electric mobility will not be sufficient to guarantee sustainable, energy-efficient mobility for tomorrow in the passenger car sector”, says Prof. Peter Gutzmer, Deputy CEO and Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler AG. The bio hybrid shows how Schaeffler envisages a solution for urban mobility. It is similar to a bicycle, but without the disadvantages in terms of weather protection and stowage space. Thanks to the pedelec drive system with a restriction of 25 km/h, the bio hybrid can be operated without a driver’s license and can also be used on cycle tracks, adds Prof. Peter Gutzmer. A micro-mobility concept from Schaeffler: The bio hybrid in detail The Schaeffler bio hybrid combines the advantages of stability and weather protection with the energy consumption and space utilization of a pedelec. Thanks to the electrically-assisted drive system (up to 25 km/h)* with a minimum range of 50 kilometers**, the driver can travel in a sporty and comfortable manner. The new vehicle platform with two front and rear wheels provides increased safety and driving stability. The bio hybrid can also be easily driven on cycle tracks due its compact dimensions (2.1 m long, 1.5 m high, 85 cm wide) and a track width of 80 cm. The electric reverse gear also enables maneuvering without any problems. In combination with its portable battery system, variable luggage compartment and automatic gearshift system, this 1+1 seater (2 seats) can already be integrated into the existing infrastructure and day-to-day life. The extravagant design underlines the lifestyle character and matches the innovative roof construction, which can be easily stowed under the seat by means of an intelligent swing mechanism. With the weather protection retracted, the bio hybrid is transformed into a stylish cabriolet and allows the driver to enjoy the fresh air. Due to an integrated smartphone connection, the driver is linked to a large number of apps and can access information, for example, about the weather and traffic situation at any time. Prof. Peter Gutzmer adds: “Important prerequisites with regard to infrastructure must be fulfilled before this type of individual mobility can become established on the market. Metropolitan areas and major cities must continue to change – and they will. Cities such as London, Paris and Singapore are already investing hundreds of millions in the development of cycle tracks. High-speed cycle tracks, which connect cities, for example, in the Ruhr area, will enable extension stages of the micro-mobile with higher speeds. There are already discussions in Germany about opening cycle tracks with a legal speed limit of 40 km/h. All these developments mean that our concept has great potential to change urban mobility”. * 250-750 watts nominal power (according to national legal requirements) ** Range according to current simulations: 50-100 kilometers