Intelligent power management company Eaton has launched a new EV Truetrac differential engineered specifically for EVs.

The design addresses the challenges presented by EV propulsion systems, including shared low-viscosity oil environments, increased sensitivity to noise and the demands of high and instant torque delivery.

Eaton’s Detroit Truetrac, a helical-gear limited-slip differential, has been used for improving traction, handling and stability across various vehicle platforms. The company has now introduced the EV version to meet automakers’ requirements.

EV drive modules share a lubrication system with the motor and use lower-viscosity oils that flow more like water, unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which use heavy gear oil in their differentials. Truetrac has been redesigned with advanced micro-geometry tuning to ensure durability in this thinner oil environment. Material science advancements have been applied to ensure longevity in high-torque applications.

As EVs are more sensitive to drivetrain noise because of the absence of traditional engine sounds that mask mechanical operation, Eaton has refined the EV Truetrac’s gear design to minimize noise. And because EVs deliver instant, high torque, the EV Truetrac has been engineered to withstand these loads while providing sufficient traction in urban and off-road conditions.

Eaton’s EV electronic locking differentials (ELockers) are popular in Asia’s EV market, the company sees growing demand in North America and Asia for an automatic limited-slip system like the EV Truetrac, which is targeted toward pickup trucks and SUVs. The differential will provide automatic response depending on road conditions, enhancing traction and stability for daily driving, off-road trips and towing applications.

“Our goal is to provide a broad application solution that supports EV adoption across multiple segments. We are excited to bring our proven traction technology to the next generation of vehicles and offer customers a seamless way to improve their EV’s performance,” said Mark Kramer, Business Unit Director, ePowertrain, at Eaton’s Mobility Group.

Source: Eaton