Role of Energy Efficiency in Shaping the Future of the Automotive Sector

In an interaction with Industry Outlook, Alagesan Thasari, Director & Head of Automotive Business and CTO - India, South East Asia, Australia and NZ, SKF India shares his views on the importance of energy efficiency in shaping the future of the automotive sector, the role research and development play in identifying and implementing innovative solutions to reduce friction and enhance energy efficiency in automotive design and manufacturing and more.

Energy efficiency is going to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive sector. By focusing on friction reduction, one can enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions, and drive sustainable transportation practices. How do you see the importance of energy efficiency in shaping the future of the automotive sector?

Energy efficiency will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive sector as it has far-reaching impacts. Currently, approximately 20% of all energy is used to overcome friction. SKF, a leading company in the automotive industry, aims to minimize this wastage. Emphasizing friction reduction is critical because it directly affects fuel economy and emissions. By optimizing automotive components and systems to minimize friction, significant enhancements in energy efficiency can be achieved. This leads to vehicles traveling longer distances on less fuel, resulting in reduced operating costs for vehicle owners and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing environmental concerns is a crucial aspect of this approach, which also aligns with stringent regulatory standards and meets the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles. As the world increasingly emphasizes sustainability and climate-conscious practices, friction reduction and energy efficiency emerge as vital solutions for a more promising future in the automotive industry. By focusing on these aspects, the automotive sector can contribute significantly to a greener and more sustainable world.

How are computational modelling, simulation techniques, and advanced testing methodologies being utilized to optimize automotive components and systems for improved energy efficiency through friction reduction?

Delving into each aspect step by step, the first powerful tool in the pursuit of friction reduction and energy efficiency is computational modelling. This process involves the creation of virtual representations of automotive components and systems using advanced software. Through these digital models, engineers can accurately simulate various operating conditions and interactions within the vehicle. By exploring different materials, shapes, and lubrication methods, computational modelling provides valuable insights into how they affect frictional losses.

Simulation techniques complement computational modelling seamlessly. Once the virtual models are constructed, engineers employ simulation software to run complex scenarios and test hypotheses without the need for physical prototypes. This approach not only saves precious time and resources but also yields crucial data for analysis. Simulations play a pivotal role in evaluating how various design changes and innovations impact the overall system efficiency.

Despite the power of computational modelling and simulation, real-world testing remains an indispensable step in the validation and refinement process. Advanced testing methodologies employ precision instruments and sensors to measure frictional losses and energy consumption in automotive components and systems. Engineers conduct extensive tests and on-road evaluations in their tireless quest for friction reduction and enhanced energy efficiency.

By combining computational modelling, simulation, and real-world testing, the automotive industry can unlock ground-breaking advancements that drive us towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. This systematic approach empowers engineers to make informed decisions, optimize designs, and create vehicles that are not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly.

How does the adoption of electric and hybrid powertrain technologies influence the importance of friction reduction for energy efficiency in the automotive sector?

Advanced powertrains have revolutionized the automotive landscape, operating differently from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which results in significantly fewer mechanical friction losses. While these cutting-edge powertrains inherently possess lower mechanical friction, the relentless pursuit of optimizing energy efficiency remains paramount. Engineers dedicate their expertise to minimizing frictional losses in various critical components, such as precision bearings, high-performance gears, and advanced tire designs, all geared towards improving overall vehicle efficiency and extending driving ranges. Notably, the reduction of friction also assumes a pivotal role in enhancing the lifespan and performance of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring optimal operating conditions and maximizing their potential.

In the realm of electric vehicles, the significance of friction reduction takes centre stage due to its profound impact on range improvement and mitigating range anxiety. As engineers continuously refine their techniques to minimize frictional losses, the automotive industry steadily advances towards a more sustainable future, creating energy-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles, regardless of their power source, be it electricity alone or in synergy with an internal combustion engine.

By combining advanced powertrains with precision friction reduction measures, the automotive industry is marching confidently towards a greener horizon. These strides in technology and engineering contribute to a cleaner environment and a brighter future, inspiring further innovations that shape the next generation of energy-efficient transportation.

What are the economic and environmental benefits associated with reducing friction in automotive systems, and how does it contribute to sustainable transportation?

From an economic standpoint, the significance of friction reduction cannot be overstated, as it directly leads to a substantial improvement in energy efficiency, resulting in compelling cost savings for both vehicle owners and businesses alike. At SKF India, we are firmly committed to prioritizing intelligent and clean solutions. By harnessing the potential of advanced bearings, seals, and lubrication solutions, vehicles experience a remarkable reduction in energy losses, translating into significantly enhanced fuel efficiency. As a direct consequence, fuel consumption is curtailed, effectively saving hard-earned money for consumers while also reducing operating expenses for commercial fleets, fostering a more economically sustainable automotive landscape.

Beyond its economic impact, friction reduction assumes a pivotal role in spearheading sustainable transportation initiatives. The impressive enhancement in fuel efficiency directly translates to fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants emitted per mile travelled by vehicles. Consequently, this laudable achievement contributes extensively to lowering the overall carbon footprint of the automotive sector, unequivocally supporting global endeavours to combat climate change. We take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation, epitomized through our innovative solutions that minimize friction in automotive systems. By actively assisting the industry in achieving higher energy efficiency levels, we wholeheartedly contribute to propelling the transition towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future.

Our unyielding dedication to cutting-edge technologies and environmentally responsible practices is deeply rooted in our belief in a better tomorrow. Through friction reduction, we pave the way for a cleaner and more responsible transportation landscape, where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship beautifully intertwine. Together, we forge a path towards a future that harmoniously blends innovative engineering and sustainable mobility, ensuring a brighter and more promising world for generations to come. At SKF India, we are honoured to play a pivotal role in shaping a future that not only benefits the economy but also actively nurtures and safeguards our precious planet.

What are the implications of friction reduction technologies for autonomous vehicles and future mobility concepts, and how can it contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems?

The advent of autonomous vehicles heralds a new era in transportation, where electric powertrains take centre stage, making friction reduction even more crucial. We recognize the significance of this paradigm shift and prioritize the development of cutting-edge solutions to minimize energy losses and enhance the overall efficiency of autonomous systems. By implementing advanced bearings, seals, and lubrication techniques, we unlock the potential to significantly reduce friction, paving the way for autonomous vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge. This reduction in friction translates into reduced battery consumption and charging frequency, fostering a positive impact on energy use and bolstering environmental sustainability.

As autonomous fleets become increasingly prevalent, their collective impact on the environment becomes even more pronounced, underscoring the vital role of friction reduction in achieving sustainable transportation goals. At SKF India, our unwavering dedication to developing friction-reducing solutions for autonomous vehicles and future mobility concepts stems from our unwavering commitment to creating a greener and more efficient transportation ecosystem.

In a world that continually evolves, innovation becomes the driving force behind transformative change. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we envision a future where autonomous vehicles not only redefine mobility but also exemplify environmental responsibility. With friction reduction as a central pillar of our mission, we stride confidently towards a future where efficient and eco-friendly autonomous transportation is accessible to all, creating a world that is both technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable.