Sustainable Powertrain Development for Powersports Applications

Authors

S. Meyer-Salfeld, S. Arndt, BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, Gunskirchen; M. Schermann, BRP-Rotax Vienna GmbH, Kottingbrunn

Year

2025

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

The development of sustainable powertrains for powersports applications requires a comprehensive understanding of the very different driving performance requirements, energy needs and utilization profiles of various applications. Although the key trade-offs in terms of range, weight and cost are similar to the challenges faced by the automotive industry, customized solutions are required for powersports vehicles in order to maintain outstanding, identity-creating product characteristics and competitiveness. 
In recent years BRP-Rotax has introduced electric powertrains in several vehicles into the market. As observed in the field of combustion-based powertrains, further deployment of electrified powertrains will require a similar tailoring specific to the needs and utilization of each application. The associated development costs and investments make a consistent modularization strategy essential. 
This article describes the approach of BRP-Rotax at component, system and vehicle level and outlines future concepts and strategies as well as development and production capabilities for customized sustainable powertrain solutions. 
This article first describes a modular platform for powersports vehicles at drive level, consisting of different electric motor technologies. Subsequently, various forms of hybrid concepts for powersports vehicles are discussed at powertrain architecture and vehicle level.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-4-9

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/9gxj-u9my Copy link

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