Experts explain the powertrain types

Mobility of the future needs to remain affordable, while at the same cutting emissions as much as possible. The requirements of city traffic as well as short- and long-distance travel call for tailored solutions. In addition, there are regional differences in global markets, for example, in terms of the transport infrastructure available. Bosch meets these different needs based on a mix of solutions. Our experts explain the powertrain types that Bosch provides and highlight their respective strengths.

The targets defined in the Paris Agreement on climate protection are decisive in shaping the future of mobility. At the same time, different framework conditions and requirements in regional markets also need to be considered. Dr. Uwe Gackstatter introduces the solutions Bosch relies on to meet these demands and shows why mobility of the future should include all powertrain types.

The gasoline engine is highly successful thanks to its low cost and long range. But it must face up to the needs of climate protection by becoming more eco-friendly. Heiko Weller illustrates how Bosch is reducing the CO₂ footprint of the gasoline engine, making it a viable instrument of sustainable mobility.

Diesel engines are highly efficient and emit less CO₂ compared to gasoline engines. Bosch technology also reduces nitrogen dioxide and soot emissions. Michael Krüger discusses the benefits of diesel and explains why it will remain an important energy source for long-distance vehicles in 2030.

Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor, which enables locally emission-free driving, with the range of an internal-combustion engine. This is how hybrids contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. Nicolai Wacker provides insights into the technology and where its further development is headed.

Battery electric vehicles generate zero emissions locally and use energy directly without the need for upstream conversion. The technology behind this powertrain system is becoming increasingly more refined and affordable. Dirk Brinkmann talks about the Bosch solution portfolio for electric vehicles and which innovation will make the drive system even more efficient.

Electric vehicles alone won’t do to achieve the climate targets. Therefore, the fleet of existing internal-combustion vehicles must attain carbon neutrality. This is possible with synthetic fuels from renewable energies, so-called e-fuels. Ansgar Christ explains how this works and why the present political framework prevents the technological breakthrough of renewable synthetic fuels.

European truck manufacturers are required to reduce the CO₂ emissions of their fleets by around one-third over the next decade. This can be achieved with the help of fuel-cell powertrains. This powertrain type uses hydrogen for propulsion and their only local emission is water. Achim Moritz highlights the advantages of hydrogen for freight transport and in the passenger car sector.