Ricardo launches modular transmission range

A range of epicyclic reduction drives is the first family to be launched in the Element range. (Photo: Ricardo)

Ricardo, a strategic, environmental and engineering consulting company, has launched the Element range of modular transmissions. The first in the range to be released is a family of epicyclic reduction drives for electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell platforms.

According to the company, the Element range is designed to reduce the time and cost of product development for clients with high-performance and specialized product portfolios, such as motorsport, performance automotive, defense, off-highway, marine and industrial applications. It has been engineered to provide a cost-effective solution to the development of custom drivelines for advanced propulsion systems.

Customers can select from a menu of baseline solutions available for rapid prototyping, or tailor their selection to their specific requirement with a variety pre-engineered torque outputs and gear ratio options.

Steve Blevins, head of Engineering for Ricardo’s Performance Products business unit, explained that as product development cycles shorten and budgets tighten, “there is an increasing demand for cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality and performance that a tailored solution brings to a program. Element offers just that.”

James Sundler, Business Development Director – Performance Products, added that the range can help clients in high-performance and specialized market sectors on their decarbonization journeys.

“Offering a selection of pre-engineered solutions which are plug-and-play compatible with a range of electric motors enables rapid development of the electric drive unit (EDU) for our clients whilst maintaining Ricardo’s renowned standards of engineering excellence,” he stated. “With Element, we’re empowering clients to fast-track their transition to cleaner propulsion technologies by reducing development costs and lead times. Our modular approach also provides the flexibility needed to adapt to diverse operational demands across sectors like motorsport, defense and marine.”