Eaton Corp. announced that the results of an independent study confirmed that automated manual transmissions (AMTs) achieve substantial fuel consumption advantages over conventional automatic transmissions. Eaton says the simulation, which revealed fuel economy improvements of up to 22 percent as compared to a conventional automatic transmission, was conducted by Roush Industries Inc. for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center/National Automotive Center (TARDEC/NAC).
“We are extremely pleased with the results of this study, as it once again confirms the fuel-saving benefits that are inherent in our growing lineup of automated transmissions,” says Staci Kroon, senior vice president and general manger of commercial vehicles for Eaton’s Truck North America Division. “In addition, it is always a positive when you can help reduce our industry’s carbon footprint. Our family of UltraShift transmissions is one way of reducing our industry’s carbon footprint, and it is consistent with Eaton’s sustainability mission. This is definitely a win-win situation for both our customers and the environment.”
According to Jeff Spitzner, military account manager for Eaton’s Vehicle Group, Eaton provided Roush with the gear ratios and estimated efficiencies for a series of newly designed UltraShift Plus heavy-duty automated transmissions for vocational and severe service use. These transmissions will be released for limited production this fall.
“In order to eliminate uncontrollable outside variables and provide repeatable results quickly, the test was conducted using analytical simulation software that factored in optimized final drive ratios,” Spitzner says. “That was able to provide a realistic comparison, and to take advantage of the wider operating ranges that are available on Eaton AMTs. The test went on to conclude that the fuel economy gains may be attributed to the greater efficiency of AMTs. In addition, the increased number of gears that are available, complemented with an optimized shift schedule, will keep the engine running in its most efficient range.”
Eaton say these results were revealed Thursday, Aug. 20, at the National Defense Industrial Association Michigan’s Chapter’s first Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium, being held at the Detroit Marriott in Troy, Mich.
