Beijing, October 23, 2024 — Amid the global automotive industry's accelerated shift towards electrification and intelligence, the transmission, a core component for vehicle power transfer, is undergoing profound technological transformation and upgrades. Significant shifts in market dynamics, technological pathways, and R&D priorities are collectively propelling the transmission industry into a new stage characterized by high efficiency and electrification.

Proliferation of Multi-Speed Automatic Transmissions: Domestic Brands Accelerate Technological Catch-Up

Multi-speed automatic transmissions (AT), represented by 8-speed, 9-speed, and even 10-speed variants, alongside Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT), have become mainstream configurations in the mid-to-high-end internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle market. Renowned international suppliers (such as ZF and Aisin) continue to lead the technological frontier, leveraging their deep expertise. Notably, Chinese domestic automakers and component suppliers have achieved significant breakthroughs in the field of automatic transmissions in recent years. Through sustained R&D investment and the absorption of introduced technologies, companies like Great Wall Motor (GWM), Geely, and BYD have realized the independent R&D and production of multi-speed ATs and DCTs. These transmissions have been successfully deployed in multiple flagship models, effectively enhancing overall vehicle performance and driving experience. This progress is steadily narrowing the gap with international advanced levels and increasing market share.

Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions (DHT) Experience Explosive Growth, Boosting Energy Saving and Emission Reduction

With the vigorous development of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market, demand for specialized transmissions for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV/PHEV) has surged. Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions (DHT), favored for their high integration, superior efficiency, and seamless synergy with electric motors, have become market favorites. Domestic automakers have been particularly outstanding in this domain. Technological solutions represented by BYD's E-CVT (used in the DM-i Super Hybrid system), GWM's Lemon Hybrid DHT, and Geely's Raytheon Intelligent Engine Hi·X leverage innovative structural designs (such as dual-motor series-parallel architectures and multi-speed series-parallel systems). These innovations achieve higher system efficiency and superior powertrain smoothness, significantly reducing vehicle fuel consumption (with some models achieving as low as 4-5L/100km in charge-sustaining mode). DHTs have become a core element driving the competitiveness of Chinese brand hybrid models, with market installations showing explosive growth.

Technological Innovation Focuses on Efficiency and Integration; Electrification and Intelligence are Clear Directions

Looking ahead, transmission technology R&D continues to focus on enhancing efficiency, optimizing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance, reducing weight, and minimizing size. Simultaneously, the trend of deep integration with electrification is irreversible:

Deep Electrification Integration: Transmissions will integrate more profoundly with drive motors and electronic control systems, forming more compact and efficient electric drive units (e-Drive) (e.g., "3-in-1" e-axles). This is the mainstream direction for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEV).

Intelligent Control Upgrades: Utilizing advanced sensors, control algorithms, and software enables more precise and faster shifting strategies, improving driving smoothness and responsiveness. This allows better adaptation to different driving modes (e.g., Eco, Sport, Off-road) and complex road conditions. Exploration of new technologies like shift-by-wire is also underway.

Application of New Materials and Processes: To meet new requirements for size, weight, and thermal management posed by electrification, the application of lightweight materials (e.g., high-strength aluminum alloys, composites) and advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., precision casting, additive manufacturing) will become more widespread.