Conti unveils anti-vibration concepts for EVs

Shanghai, China – Continental Corp. is displaying anti-vibration concepts for electric vehicles at the 18^th Shanghai Automobile Industry Exhibition currently underway.

Features include a new geometric design and a special elastomer compound to ‘optimally adjust’ the engine and address challenges posed by EVs, said Continental’s Andreas Firla.

“EVs may be quieter, but their drives create excitations in the high-frequency range, which is more unpleasant for humans,” said Firla, product development lead in the field of vibration control.

The combustion engine, he went on to say, makes a humming sound, whereas the electric motor makes a whistling sound.

Furthermore, in EVs, previously unheard noises such as rolling, wind and air-conditioning are no longer masked by engine-noise.

Therefore, the electric drive requires a special mounting component to isolate the high-frequency excitations of the engine.

For that specific purpose, Continental explained to ERJ, a special elastomer compound has been developed which is mainly made of natural rubber.

In addition to the new design and materials, the German company is also using simulation tools to improve the properties of the mounts in the early development phase.

Conti said it is already working with major Chinese manufacturers, such as CHJ Automotive and NIO, as development partner and a supplier.

China, concluded Continental, “is already seen as the empire of e-cars and is leading the development of electric mobility.”