- NTN reduced hub bearing rotational friction by approximately 66% versus conventional products.
- The new bearing technology can improve BEV cruising distance by around 2.2 km per charge.
NTN Corporation announced on May 25 that it has developed next-generation hub bearings designed to significantly improve the energy efficiency of electrified vehicles. The newly developed bearings achieve approximately 66% lower rotational friction compared with conventional products, supporting enhanced efficiency across xEV applications including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The company stated that the technology is expected to contribute to reduced energy losses while supporting longer vehicle driving ranges and improved overall vehicle performance in modern electrified mobility applications.
According to the company, the newly engineered hub bearings can improve energy efficiency in battery electric vehicle applications by approximately 0.76%. As a result, BEVs equipped with the advanced bearings are expected to achieve an extended cruising distance of nearly 2.2 km per charge. The reduction in rotational resistance helps optimize drivetrain efficiency, which is becoming increasingly important as automakers continue focusing on extending vehicle range and improving energy utilization in electrified transportation systems.
Key Performance Improvements in NTN’s New Hub Bearings
| Parameter | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Rotational Friction Reduction | Approximately 66% |
| BEV Energy Efficiency Improvement | Approximately 0.76% |
| Cruising Distance Extension | Approximately 2.2 km per charge |
In addition to reducing friction, the company also redesigned the seal structure of the hub bearings to improve durability under demanding operating environments. The updated seal configuration enables the bearings to maintain low friction characteristics while also offering improved resistance against muddy and wet conditions. This combination of efficiency enhancement and environmental durability is expected to support broader deployment of the technology in various electrified vehicle platforms operating under diverse road and climate conditions.
The latest development highlights ongoing efforts within the automotive industry to optimize component-level efficiency for electrified mobility solutions. As automakers and suppliers continue pursuing higher energy efficiency targets, advanced low-friction components such as wheel hub bearings are becoming increasingly important in improving vehicle range, reducing energy consumption, and supporting next-generation electrified powertrain systems across global markets including Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of NTN’s newly developed hub bearings?
NTN’s newly developed hub bearings significantly reduce rotational friction in electrified vehicles, helping improve overall energy efficiency and driving range. The bearings achieve approximately 66% lower friction compared with conventional products, which contributes to better drivetrain efficiency in BEVs, HEVs, and FCVs. In battery electric vehicle applications, the company estimates that the technology can improve energy efficiency by around 0.76% and extend cruising distance by approximately 2.2 km per charge while also maintaining durability in wet and muddy conditions.
How does NTN’s seal redesign improve bearing performance?
The redesigned seal structure enhances both efficiency and durability by balancing low friction characteristics with stronger environmental resistance. NTN developed the updated seal configuration to withstand muddy and wet driving conditions without compromising rotational performance. This approach helps maintain stable operation and reduced energy loss over extended use. The improved sealing technology is particularly important for electrified vehicles, where minimizing drivetrain resistance and ensuring long-term reliability are critical factors for vehicle efficiency and operational performance.
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