PSA Group Shifts to Electrification with Punch Powertrain’s Technology

PSA Group accelerates its transition to hybrid and electric powertrains. Recently, it has transpired that Punch Powertrain will be the supplier of electrified gearbox solutions for vehicles of the French auto giant.

According to PSA’s press office, the main reason for the auto manufacturer’s decision to enter into agreement with Punch is the patented revolutionary structure of the dual-clutch gearbox, which ensures cutting the total number of gearbox parts, and therefore reducing the weight and dimensions of the gearbox.

It is referred to the electrified dual-clutch gearbox DT2. Complementary to enhanced operational characteristics and better fuel efficiency, this transmission is noted for an attractive price. It is planned that this gearbox, coupled with a 48V motor, will be applied in new generations of PSA vehicles. Characteristics of this gearbox are highly estimated by auto experts: it is considered to be the best option among dual-clutch transmissions for commercial and passenger cars.

The company, Punch Powertrain, also heavily invests in growth of advanced technologies for the future: not long ago Punch acquired the company Apojee, which is specialized in production of power electronic equipment. Cooperation with PSA is an important step for Punch Powertrain, as the company strives to become a world-class supplier in the auto industry.

In the 70’s, the Belgian company Punch was a division of the Dutch carmaker DAF and mainly produced CVTs. In the 00’s, the company started to supply gearboxes to Chinese companies and eventually was acquired by the Chinese company Yinyi Group. At the same time, the headquarters of Punch are still located in Belgium.

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Since 2022, DT2 gearboxes will be manufactured at the plant of the joint venture PSA-Punch. In the future, PSA may be interested in using other gearbox solutions provided by Punch. By 2025, it is expected that the entire product range of PSA Group will consist of E-vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and vehicles which use “soft” hybrid technologies. This collaboration will be mutually beneficial: PSA will get inexpensive and efficient gearboxes, and Punch Powertrain will increase its manufacturing volume.