NSK has developed low-torque ball bearings for hybrid vehicles featuring a 50-65 per cent improvement in frictional loss compared to conventional bearings.

In recent years, demand for hybrid vehicles has been rising rapidly due to their low fuel consumption and low emissions, realised through a more efficient integration of the engine and electric motor.

NSK has developed low-torque ball bearings for hybrid vehicles designed to improve fuel efficiency

In order to further improve fuel efficiency, there is a growing need to reduce torque loss in the bearings used in the transmissions (drivetrains) of new generation hybrid cars.

NSK has met this need with its low-torque bearings, which reduce frictional loss.

The new product will be featured in Toyota's latest Prius model.

NSK has claimed to have found a way to cut torque by 50-65 per cent compared to existing bearings.

The number of balls has been reduced, and ball diameters, race dimensions and clearances have been optimised utilising analysis technology, which has allowed rolling friction losses to be minimised.

NSK's new manufacturing processes overcame conventional hurdles to decrease the number of balls.

Losses have been reduced by agitating lubrication oils during operation via the introduction of specially shaped cages made of resin.

NSK has achieved compactness, lightness and low torque for automobiles via its four core technologies: tribology, materials, analysis and mechatronics.