Efficiency Enhancement of Electric Vehicle Drivetrains through Advanced Gearbox Strategies

2026-26-0053

To be published on 01/16/2026

Authors Abstract
Content
In the pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions, optimizing drivetrain efficiency has emerged as a critical factor in enhancing the overall performance, reliability, and market acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs). This study specifically focuses on achieving efficiency improvements within the gearbox system of Electric Vehicles, a major contributor to mechanical losses in the drivetrain. Key technical strategies explored include the adoption of low-viscosity lubricants, utilization of low-friction bearings, incorporation of high-efficiency oil seals, and the application of low-loss gear designs. Collectively, these enhancements aim to reduce mechanical frictional losses, leading to tangible benefits such as increased vehicle driving range, reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and decreased long-term maintenance costs. In addition to component-level improvements, the study investigates the integration of a 2-speed gearbox within electric vehicles as a system-level solution to further boost efficiency and adaptability across a wide range of driving conditions. Unlike traditional single-speed transmissions, a 2-speed configuration enables optimized torque delivery and more effective energy management, providing benefits under both low-speed urban and high-speed highway scenarios. Recent research findings indicate that the adoption of multi-speed gearboxes can result in drivetrain efficiency gains of approximately 7–10% across certain real-world driving cycles, particularly when paired with intelligent and predictive shifting strategies. The ongoing pilot implementation described in this study offers a scalable and adaptable blueprint for the development of future EV platforms. By integrating advanced gearbox technologies, this approach contributes meaningfully to the global sustainability goals of the automotive industry, facilitating the transition toward greener, more efficient transportation solutions.
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Citation
Agrawal, D., Bhardwaj, A., and Bhandari, K., "Efficiency Enhancement of Electric Vehicle Drivetrains through Advanced Gearbox Strategies," SAE Technical Paper 2026-26-0053, 2026, .
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
To be published on Jan 16, 2026
Product Code
2026-26-0053
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English