Continental to Produce Prototype Electric Traction Motors

After having produced lithium ion batteries for the 2008 Mercedes S400 Hybrid, Continental has now begun to the creation of prototypes for its electric motors. These will undergo volume production soon at the company’s plant in Gifhorn, Lower Saxony.

Aside from providing li-ion batteries for the Mercedes hybrid, the company has long been on lab stage with EV electronics and batteries. This third generation electric motor they’re working on is a rough 30% smaller than the predecessor. The production of these E-motors in the Gifhorn plant can be considered a major milestone for the company.

Beginning 2011, Continental should be on the way to producing its first complete electric powertrain. This will also be for the European car manufacturer’s standard production-vehicles.

According to Jose Avila, head of the Powertrain Division of Continental, a total of £12 million have already been invested in the Gifhorn plant. The plant is designed to produce about 60,000 electric motors annually. With this investment, Continental hopes that it will be able to cope with the production rate of these electric motors without forgetting previous battery production projects and power electronics.

The electric motors which Continental’s Gifhorn plant will be producing can generate maximum outputs of 60 to 75 kilowatts. Each Continental synchronous motor is said to weigh 65 kilograms, off the line at Gifhorn. According to Avila, the conventional combustion engine weighs a good 80 kilograms.

Indeed, the production of Continental’s electric motors is a clear go signal that the company is very ready for electro-mobility.