Case Study: Electric Vehicle Manufacturing And Precision Metrology

The Challenge
In electric vehicles (EVs), new processing methods for gears must convert the high-force torque from electric motors to the RPMs at the wheel. This much be achieved while also reaching the consumer's intended distances efficiently and quietly. 

To appeal to consumers, EVs need to have a comparable range to their internal combustion (IC) counterparts. This requires gears with reduced surface friction, increasing the vehicle's overall range. In addition, the sound from IC engines tends to mask the noise from the drivetrain, such as gear noise; however, in EVs, these sounds are prominent unless there is a change to new gear manufacturing methods. This is where precision metrology plays a critical role in helping to establish a reliable monitor gear surface processing, enabling tighter specifications, and promoting meticulous quality control.