Engineering consultancy Ricardo has unveiled Element, a new range of modular transmissions designed to accelerate the development of electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell platforms. The launch aims to reduce both time and cost for industries needing high-performance drivetrains tailored to specialised operational demands.
The Element transmission range offers a cost-effective solution for clients across sectors such as motorsport, automotive, defence, marine, and industrial operations. It provides a versatile platform for the rapid development of bespoke driveline systems that don’t compromise on performance or quality. The first product in the range is a family of epicyclic reduction drives, suitable for advanced propulsion systems.
Customers can select from a menu of pre-engineered solutions for quick prototyping, or they can fully customise their choice, tailoring torque outputs and gear ratios to meet specific requirements. This modular approach allows for quicker turnaround times while maintaining the engineering excellence Ricardo is known for.
Steve Blevins, Head of Engineering at Ricardo’s Performance Products business unit, explained that the company’s previous reputation for creating highly bespoke gearboxes for motorsports and premium automotive has shifted in response to evolving market demands. “As product development cycles shorten and budgets are squeezed, there is a growing need for cost-effective solutions that maintain the performance and quality expected of a tailored system. Element provides exactly that,” he said.
The modular nature of Element enables clients to integrate the components easily into their existing frameworks. This flexibility ensures that the systems can meet the specific needs of various industries, all while reducing the cost and lead time typically involved in developing custom solutions. Ricardo is particularly focused on supporting its clients as they transition to cleaner propulsion technologies, offering solutions that help fast-track decarbonisation efforts.
James Sundler, Business Development Director for Performance Products at Ricardo, added that the company’s goal is to provide clients with “plug-and-play” compatible solutions for electric drive units (EDUs). “Our pre-engineered solutions enable rapid development for our clients, ensuring they can meet the evolving demands of sectors like motorsport, defence, and marine, all while maintaining the high standards of Ricardo engineering.”
With its legacy of precision engineering, Ricardo has responded to the growing need for adaptable, modular solutions that support the clean energy transition. By offering a flexible and efficient range of transmission systems, the Element range is designed to help industries maintain performance standards while achieving their environmental and operational goals.
The new transmission solutions will be showcased at the Professional Motorsport World Expo, which takes place at Cologne Messe from November 13-14, 2024.