JTEKT develops Electric Pitting Prevention Bearing for EV Motor

JTEKT Corporation (hereinafter JTEKT) has developed a bearing that prevents electrical pitting* that occurswhen electric current passes through the bearings in the drivelinemotors used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HVs).

* Electrical pitting of a bearing means that when an electric current passes through a rotating bearing, a spark is generated and the surface of the contact area is melted.

【The newly developed product】

Background of the development

With the widespread use of EVs and HVs, there is growing concern about electrical pitting due to the current passing through the bearings that support the drivelinemotor. This can cause noise and vibration during vehicle operation, as well as premature damage to the bearing, which can affect the function of the unit. To prevent electric pitting, bearings with ceramic balls, which offer excellent insulation, are generally used, but they are expensive.

The newly developed product has an insulated bearing with a special coating on the outer ring,outer diameter and outer ring end surface of ordinary steel bearings. We have succeeded in preventing the occurrence of electrical pitting by providing it with original functions.

Compared to conventional products, this new technology is inexpensive and maintenance-free, and is intended to be used in a wide range of EV and HV vehicles.

Features of the New Product

①Special coating on the outer circumference and sides of the bearing prevents electrical pitting inside the bearing by providing insulation between the bearing and housing.

②Special coating reduces housing wear due to outer ring creep.

【Trajectory of products after electrolytic Pitting reproduction test】

Sales plan

Start of volume production：Planned in 2024

Sales target：1.1 billion yen/Year

Customers：Domestic and global automakers, Motor manufacturers

Production plant

Kameyama Plant, Shikoku Plant, DAIBEA CO., LTD. (JTEKT group company)

JTEKT Corporation has newly created a tagline "Key of your operation" for the bearing brand "Koyo". JTEKT will continue contributing to every industry including automotive manufacturers as an indispensable partner to solve customers' problems through working with customers and to provide benefits.