New NSK bearings for EV transmissions

NSK, the Japanese manufacturer of bearings, has recently presented its latest LCube II series of conical roll bearings intended for transmission units installed in electric vehicles. These bearings are purposely built to enhance efficiency by facilitating to decrease in power demand and better reliability thanks to increased robustness and wedging resistance.

To bring performance capacity and fuel efficiency parameters in EVs to a new level, the automotive industry has shifted to utilizing less lubricant and/or lower viscosity lubricant in gear shifting units. Thus, conical roll bearings integrated in electrified gearboxes are being exposed to harsher lubrication conditions, increasing the possibility of exhausting an important oil film, which in turn may lead to surface break and possible bearing wedging.

Automotive experts assume that more advanced and productive transmission solutions will play a crucial role in the pace of the automotive electrification. Therefore, NSK engineers decided to design and manufacture a new bearing solution to contribute to appearance of more robust gearboxes. The result is the new bearing solution.

The new bearings are notable for pore-like micro-indents in the rolling contact area and roller head. This structure keeps intact an oil film, which, in turn, prevents significant surface damages. Thus, these products are distinguished by increased endurance and equal or even greater anti-wedging qualities in contrast to standard solutions.

Another benefit of this product is that better oil build-up and preservation on the roller surface leads to significant friction reduction (by 10%) at low speeds in contrast to standard bearings. Decreased friction is one more factor that has a positive impact on total efficiency in EV transmissions.

About NSK

Founded almost a century ago, the Japanese company NSK has travelled a long way from a regional bearing provider to a roller bearing professional and a major supplier with a worldwide reputation. Currently, the company employs more than thirty thousand specialists in dozens of countries all over the world. In addition to a solid bearing portfolio, the company also offers precision parts, mechatronic solutions, and other elements for the automotive industry.