Hyundai has developed a new feature called Active Shift Control (ASC) for its electric motors. By monitoring gearing shifts 500 times per second and adjusting the transmission rotation speed, ASC reduces gear-shift times by 30 percent, which should improve fuel economy.

In order to improve fuel economy, conventional hybrids lack torque converters. This results in longer shift times to ensure smoother gear changes. ASC allows the vehicle’s electric motor to control gear shifts by applying new software logic to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU), which helps synchronize the rotational speed of the transmission with that of the engine. When synchronized, shift time is reduced from 500 milliseconds to 350 milliseconds, according to Hyundai.

ASC will first be featured in the upcoming Sonata Hybrid.

Kyoung Joon Chang, Vice President and Head of Powertrain Control System Group of Hyundai, said, “The development of the world’s first ASC technology incorporates precise motor control to automatic transmission. It will not only save fuel but also provide a more fun driving experience for our customers.”

Source: Hyundai