Product Code Database
In a motor vehicle, the powertrain comprises the main components that generate engine power and deliver that power to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, , differentials, and the final drive (, continuous track as in military tanks or caterpillar tractors, propeller, etc.). Hybrid powertrains also include one or more electric traction motors that operate to drive the vehicle wheels. All-electric vehicles ("electric cars") eliminate the engine altogether, relying solely on electric motors for propulsion. Occasionally the term powerplant is casually used to refer to the engine or, less often, the entire powertrain.
A motor vehicle's driveline or drivetrain consists of the parts of the powertrain excluding the engine. It is the portion of a vehicle, after the prime mover, that changes depending on whether a vehicle is front-wheel, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, or less-common six-wheel drive or eight-wheel drive.
In a wider sense, the powertrain includes all of the components used to transform stored (chemical, solar, nuclear, kinetic, potential, etc.) energy into kinetic energy for propulsion purposes. This includes the utilization of multiple power-sources and non–wheel-based vehicles.
Powertrain development for involves the following: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and advanced combustion. Spark ignition engine development include: fuel injection, including the gasoline direct injection variant, as well as improving volumetric efficiency by using per cylinder, variable valve timing, variable length intake manifolds, and Turbocharger. Changes also include new fuel qualities (no sulphur or ) to allow new combustion concepts. So-called "combined combustion systems" (CCV) or "diesotto" cycles are based on synthetic fuels (synthetic diesel, biomass to liquid (BTL) or gas to liquid (GTL)). Mercedes plans petrol/diesel hybrid
BEVs, FCEVs and Plug-in hybrid powertrains are expected to reach cost parity with ICE powertrains in 2025. McKinsey & Company - A portfolio of power-trains for Europe
* Engine: The engine is the heart of the powertrain in conventional ICE vehicles. It converts fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, into mechanical energy through the process of combustion. Engines come in various forms, including internal combustion engines, which are the most common, and electric motors, which are predominant in EVs. Hybrid vehicles often combine both systems to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Each engine type has its unique design and operational characteristics, but all aim to produce the torque required to propel the vehicle.
* Electric Motor and Inverter:In electric vehicles, the electric motor replaces the traditional engine, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. This motor is highly efficient and eliminates the need for some of the more complex components found in ICE vehicles, such as exhaust systems or fuel tanks. Inverters are critical in EVs, as they control the motor's performance by regulating power output and enabling variable speeds. Together, the motor and inverter form the backbone of the electric powertrain.
* Transmission:The transmission is responsible for transferring mechanical energy from the engine or motor to the drivetrain. It ensures that the power generated by the engine is delivered to the wheels in the most efficient manner, adjusting for speed and load. There are several types of transmissions, including manual transmissions, where the driver shifts gears; automatic transmissions, which shift gears automatically; continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which offer seamless acceleration; and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), known for their rapid gear changes and improved performance.
* Control Units:Modern powertrains are heavily dependent on electronic control units (ECUs) or powertrain control modules (PCMs). These systems monitor and optimize the performance of the engine, transmission, and other components. By analyzing data from sensors throughout the vehicle, ECUs ensure the powertrain operates at peak efficiency while also complying with emissions and performance standards. Control units are essential for advanced features like adaptive driving modes and predictive maintenance.
* Drivetrain:The drivetrain is the system that connects the transmission to the wheels, distributing power as needed. It includes key components such as the driveshaft, which transfers rotational power, the differential, which allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds for smoother cornering, and the axles, which deliver power directly to the wheels. The drivetrain configuration varies by vehicle type, with common setups being front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), each offering distinct advantages depending on the application.
Later, a body (sometimes referred to as "coachwork"), which is usually not necessary for integrity of the structure, is built on the chassis to complete the vehicle. Commercial vehicle manufacturers may have "chassis only" and "cowl and chassis" versions that can be outfitted with specialized bodies. These include , , , , etc.
The frame plus the body makes a Vehicle glider (a vehicle without a powertrain).
6X4 means 6 wheel ends and 4 positions distribute power (power divider installed)
6X2 means 6 wheel ends and 2 positions distribute power (single axle drive)
4X0 means 4 wheel ends no power (Trailer axle)
4x2 means 4 Wheel ends, 2 Positions to distribute power
The 6 wheel ends can either be wide base singles or duals. Its about the outside of the wheels.
| + !Code !Description !Use !Graphic | |||
| RWD | Rear Wheel Drive | Small Van | |
| 4WD | Four Wheel Drive AKA 4x4 | Pick Up Truck | |
| FWD | Front Wheel Drive | Van, Where Weight is desired over front wheels | |
| DWD | Dual Wheel Drive (Dually) | Extra load Capacity is required to a 4WD | |
| 6X4 | A 6×4 or six-by-four is a vehicle with three axles, with a drivetrain delivering power to two wheel ends on two of them. It is a form of four-wheel drive but not one of all-wheel drive. | Classic Truck | |
| 6x6 | 6X6, a standard class of medium-duty trucks | Classic Mil spec | |
| 6X2 - Rear Lift | In its purest form, a 6x2 chassis configuration is a three-axle tractor with power going to just one of the tandem rear axles. Put another way, only two of the six wheel positions are powered. | Where Trucks need a shorter turn radius and at times don't need the extra axle to improve fuel consumption (the rear wheels can be lifted off the ground when not needed) | |
| 6x2 Mid Lift | three-axle tractor with power going to just one of the tandem rear axles. | The middle axle is able to be lifted, typical use is where max weight is given to cargo (such as fuel tankers), sometimes the middle axle as smaller wheels and tyres | |
| 8X4 | 8X4 means that the Truck has four axles, two of which are driving axles. | Typical use is a Tipper Truck, which has on and off-road requirements. | |
| 8X8 | Eight-wheel drive, often notated as 8WD or 8×8, is a drivetrain configuration that allows all eight wheels of an eight-wheeled vehicle to be drive wheels (that is, to receive power from the engine) simultaneously. | ||
| 6x6 | Six-wheel drive (6WD or 6×6) is an all-wheel drive drivetrain configuration of three axles with at least two wheels on each axle capable of being driven simultaneously by the vehicle's engine. | ||
| Half-Track | A half-track is a civilian or military vehicle with regular wheels at the front for steering and at the back to propel the vehicle and carry most of the load. The purpose of this combination is to produce a vehicle with the Off-roading of a tank and the Car handling of a vehicle. | Half-track | |
| Tracked | Continuous track or tracked treads are a system of vehicle propulsion used in tracked vehicles, running on a continuous band of treads or track plates driven by two or more wheels. The large surface area of the tracks distributes the weight of the vehicle better than steel or rubber tyres on an equivalent vehicle, enabling continuous tracked vehicles to traverse soft ground with less likelihood of becoming stuck due to sinking. | Continuous track | |
| Electric | An electric vehicle ( EV) is a vehicle that uses one or more Traction motor. It can be powered by a collector system, with electricity from extravehicular sources, or it can be powered autonomously by a battery (sometimes charged by , or by converting fuel to electricity using or a generator). EVs include but are not limited to Road vehicle and , and broadly can also include electric boat and underwater vessels (, and technically also diesel- and turbo-electric ), electric aircraft and electric spacecraft. | In this power train the EV is powered by a large onboard engine, and has the typical application of very heavy-duty mining truck. |
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