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    • Solutions for Vehicle Electrification

    We monitor, manage, and protect. 

    Electrified Vehicles (EVs) pose unique challenges. For example, EVs need brakes as much as conventional cars. More than that: They need brakes with added functionalities, so that is what we give them. The same applies to monitoring system states and energy flows in an electrified car during driving and charging. Sensors play a key part in EVs.  

    Looking at EV dynamics deceleration and acceleration is another focus of our engineers, and we have an attractive new option for vehicle design up our sleeve. Read on for more details.  

    What do all of these have in common? Our Continental Automotive DNA.  We are vehicle safety experts with extensive knowledge in braking,   sensors and electronics.  Based on our driving dynamic expertise, we are entering the area of vehicle propulsion. Beyond that, we are innovative and adapt control unit hardware for electrified commercial vehicles and small series production.  

    Continental Automotive is your proven partner for monitoring parameters, for managing energy flows based on precise measurement, for taking safety and propulsion into the future, and for EV system know-how.  

    In short:  We are electronics, sub-system and system experts for electrification.  

    To know what's going on...

    ...is the starting point for efficiency, smooth operation, safety, and an optimum electric vehicle range. Specialized sensors from Continental Automotive measure core parameters such as current, temperature, but also e-motor Rotor Speed and Rotor Position - all of which are needed to run an EV, to predict its range and to optimize charging. Products such as our High-Voltage Current Sensor module ensure that energy flows are closely monitored and proper function is confirmed.  

    With our commitment to safety, it should not come as a surprise that we also offer an economic Battery Impact Detection (BID) system that intelligently combines low system weight with a higher level of safety - based on field-proven sensors.  

    In short: We have it all, sensors for all kinds of signal parameters and with suitable output for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

    Brake systems with added value

    - Turning a century of expertise into the future -

    Reliable, rugged, and economic solutions for safe vehicle deceleration have long been core expertise of Continental Automotive. We combine this with the know-how about additional requirements to brakes in an EV.  

    Brake-by-Wire technology is one of our strengths: Our modular and scalable electro-hydraulic MK C2 brake system with electronic brake pedal interface is a gateway for new capabilities. It supports the global mega trends of Electrification and Automated Driving.  

    Along the same lines we have innovated disc brake and drum brake technology for EVs. Our Green Caliper design takes substantial weight out of the brake and the disc. However, it also supports driving efficiency by bringing down residual drag to almost zero.  

    Parallel to that, we support the comeback of the drum brake through innovation. Our new EPB-Si with integrated electric parking brake function strongly reduces brake dust emission owing to its closed design. A lightweight version will combine this strength with reduced system mass.  

    In short: You can rely on us to bring the best of braking technology and combine it with innovative ways of making braking systems fit for future requirements.  

    Acceleration and Deceleration
    are two sides of one coin

    - A look into the Future - 
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    Traditionally, propulsion and deceleration are two separate systems independently installed from each other in different areas of a car although together they define vehicle dynamics. Integrating the two into one unit - a  Drive-Brake Unit  - opens up advantages over the standard approach with an axle drive.  

    Together with our partner DeepDrive we will offer a new option for vehicle propulsion and driving dynamics. The ongoing development focuses on a scalable, modular Drive-Brake-Unit integrating a highly efficient wheel hub drive and brake. Vehicle manufacturers will benefit from efficiency advantages that can be as high as 20% compared to axle drive technology, from creating free space between the wheels. This is an attractive option for torque vectoring, that supports all-wheel drive concepts, and greater sustainability.  

    Ultimately, our development is readying a full  Corner Module  that adds suspension and damping, rim, tire - as well as +/-90° steering to the Drive-Brake-Unit.  A highly integrated plug & go module.

    In short:  Continental Automotive is actively working on innovating key technology for new types of electric vehicles and for offering existing models new features.  

    "Nobody is an island"

    - So we partner up with our experts and foster supplier relationships -

    Our strategic partnership with electric motor specialist DeepDrive prepares a future alternative to current e-drives. This development will create new electrification benefits and opportunities to car makers.  

    For VW's ID.Buzz we contribute a wide array of products and technologies supporting the vehicle's multi-functionality, sustainability and efficiency. Among our contributions are the In-Car Application Server 1 (ICAS 1), sensors and actuators, brakes, battery thermal management, tires, and interior materials.  

    Continental has been involved in developing and producing components for the new VW ID.3/4 electric vehicle right from the drawing board. The range of contributed technologies and products is just as impressively long as it is with the ID.Buzz.  

    Continental supplies essential elements for an intuitive and attractive user experience in the new BMW iX. This ranges from he High-Performance Computer to a head-up display, on the Ultra-Wide Band receivers, up to a digital instrument cluster - and more.  

    In short: By partnering-up and fostering relationships we combine our own innovation with the strength of others to accelerate development and create new value.  

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    With DeepDrive, we have gained a strong partner with whom we can jointly and sustainably advance the market penetration of electric mobility, the electric motors developed by DeepDrive extend the range of electric vehicles."

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    Matthias Matic

    Head of Safety and Motion (SAM)

    Solutions for passenger and commercial EVs

    - Small to mid series production -

    Our Engineering Services organization utilizes all the above EV expertise and more to make it available to special application areas. Battery Management (based on sensors, signal processing hardware, and software), for instance, is one area where we have a track record of contributing to on-board net stabilization, EV availability and precise range prediction.  

    To enable energy flows between the different voltage levels in an EV our  DC/DC converter  can be applied to any low-low-voltage, high-low-voltage or high-high-voltage conversion task.  This product range meets all automotive standards including functional safety and cyber security. State-of-the-art chip technology such as SiC and GaN make the converters highly efficient.  

    Since charging is as important for EV use as driving, we will contribute a new generic 12/24 V  EV Charging Control (EVCC)  hardware for electric truck and bus applications which can be adapted to OEM requirements and vehicle installation place. This EVCC will be designed and produced by us.  

    Our  EV Control Unit (EVCU)  hardware is based on a cost-effective high-volume platform and handles most processes relating to the functional aspects of EVs. Based on driver inputs, the EVCU calculates a torque value to be sent to the inverter. The torque value is arbitrated via any other vehicle torque demands, such as from the ESC. The controller utilizes a proven platform of control algorithms with the fundamental software based on the AUTOSTAR standard.  

    For traction and auxiliary drive applications, our inverters and 3 phase electric machines, operating at 48V, 400V and 800V, can provide the ideal solution where off-the-shelf components cannot meet the needs that demanding applications require. These units can be prepared as proof of concept, all the way through to mass production.  

    In short:  We are not only your vehicle electrification partner, we also specialize in making proven EV technology available to small-volume and niche applications.  

    Do you want to know more?

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