This first electric vehicle project with Chinese automakers marks an important milestone for Continental's business in China. The Continental Group's electric drive system is produced by the hybrid and electric vehicle business unit of the Continental Group Powertrain Systems Division, using the latest manufacturing technology, and can work at maximum efficiency without the use of rare earth metals.

The Continental Group has invested heavily in the construction of an advanced motor production plant in Gifhorn, Germany. The current production capacity is approximately 60,000 units.

At the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, Renault, the famous car manufacturer, exhibited two mass-produced electric vehicles using electric excitation synchronous motors and power electronics modules from Continental Group. The type of motor and power electronics modules Continental provides to this Chinese automaker is the same and all imported from Germany.

The Chinese automakers and Renault are using Continental's motors with a power output of up to 70 kilowatts and a torque of 226 Nm. Compared to conventional internal combustion engines with a weight of 80 kg (1.2-liter engine) to 150 kg (2-liter engine) (without transmission), the Continental Group's motors weigh only 77 kg.

Robert Deutsch, Head of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Business Unit, Continental Group Powertrain Systems Division, stated: "The motor is one of the components of our modular system. The system also includes power electronics modules, batteries and the entire powertrain management unit. "In addition to the motor, Continental also provided power electronics modules and electric vehicle controllers to the Chinese automaker. The Continental Group's power electronics module is already a second-generation product, based on a flexible modular system. Its volume is about 30% smaller than the first-generation products that have been used in many hybrid production models. The integration of inverters and converters is the main reason for their volume reduction.

In addition to electric excitation synchronous motors, Continental offers a variety of other types of motors. These include Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) and Induction Motors (IMs) for cost-sensitive applications. With its extensive professional capabilities and manufacturing capabilities, coupled with close cooperation with car manufacturers, Continental Group can produce a complete electric powertrain system.