Electric vehicles place high demands on drivetrain components. High rotational speeds, electrical currents and the need for maximum efficiency require solutions that can operate reliably under challenging conditions. Hybrid bearings with ceramic balls are designed to meet these requirements and can significantly improve durability, efficiency and overall drivetrain performance.
Protection Against Electrical Currents
Electric drivetrains can generate stray electrical currents. These currents may cause electrical discharge between metal components, which can lead to premature bearing failure.
Hybrid bearings use non-conductive ceramic balls that prevent electrical current from passing through the bearing. This eliminates the risk of electrical discharge damage and helps extend the service life of the bearing and surrounding components.
High-Speed Performance with Lower Temperatures
Electric motors in modern EVs often operate at extremely high rotational speeds. These speeds generate heat, which can reduce efficiency and shorten component lifespan.
Ceramic balls are lighter and harder than steel balls, which reduces internal forces and friction inside the bearing. This allows the bearing to run at higher speeds while maintaining lower operating temperatures. The result is improved reliability and stable performance even under demanding conditions.
Improved Efficiency and Extended Battery Range
Friction is one of the main causes of energy loss in mechanical systems. The friction coefficient between steel and ceramic surfaces is significantly lower than between two steel surfaces.
Hybrid bearings therefore reduce friction within the drivetrain. Lower friction means reduced energy loss, improved drivetrain efficiency and ultimately the potential to extend the vehicle’s battery range.
Optimising Electric Vehicle Performance
With improved durability, reduced maintenance requirements and higher efficiency, hybrid bearings help manufacturers design more reliable electric vehicles.
Optimised bearing performance contributes to smoother drivetrain operation, longer component lifetime and more energy-efficient mobility solutions for modern electric vehicles.
Do you want to know the facts behind ceramic hybrid bearings?
Read this article written by our Managing director Anders Thormann, who has been within bearing business for more than 22 years.