As the global new energy vehicle (NEV) industry enters a period of rapid growth, powertrain technology routes are undergoing profound transformation.
Electrification wave: The role of traditional transmissions is gradually weakening.
Hybrid power rise, multi-speed e-drive innovation, and commercial vehicle iteration: Opening up new value space for the transmission industry.
Transformation of independent third-party transmission suppliers:
From being “supporting service providers” in the internal combustion engine (ICE) era
To becoming “technology co-innovators” in the NEV era
They must not only respond to the challenges posed by direct-drive motors, but also provide automakers with solutions that balance performance adaptability and cost competitiveness, in line with industry trends toward integration, lightweighting, and intelligence.
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Drivers of technological innovation
Electrification integration: For example, CATL’s development of a CVT, reducing EV power consumption by over 5%.
Intelligent control: Bosch and ZF embed AI algorithms into transmission control systems, improving power response in autonomous driving scenarios.
Hybrid breakthroughs: Kuntai’s domestically produced dedicated hybrid transmissions (DHTs) now support automakers such as Chery and BYD.
Core force for cost optimization and mass production
Mass production lowers unit costs.
Localization and substitution reduce supply chain costs, e.g., Kuntai Vehicle.
Top Group optimized R&D investment and production capacity allocation, raising its share of intelligent driving R&D.
Safeguards for supply chain flexibility
Adapting to the “white-box” trend (OEMs co-designing components), by providing modular solutions (e.g., Schaeffler’s e-axle integration).
Foreign players (Aisin, ZF) are accelerating localization in China, while domestic firms expand regionally to avoid trade barriers.
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Technological accumulation and development efficiency
Cost sharing and reduction
Specialization and innovation
Flexibility and adaptability
Consolidation of market position
Meeting the specific needs of small and medium-sized automakers
Intellectual property protection
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Confidentiality in competition: Preventing technology leaks to direct competitors.
Specialization and cost-effectiveness: Access to high-quality, lower-cost transmissions without heavy investment in in-house R&D and production.
Risk sharing in R&D: Avoiding massive upfront investment and long validation cycles.
Model coverage limitations: Outsourced solutions provide more flexibility across different vehicle platforms.
Faster updates and technical support: Third-party suppliers iterate products faster and continuously deliver new solutions.
Bundled sales issues: For instance, BYD and Geely sell hybrid systems as complete assemblies rather than standalone transmissions. Other automakers therefore prefer independent suppliers to freely match their engines and transmissions.
Independent third-party transmission suppliers occupy an irreplaceable position in the NEV supply chain by leveraging technological expertise, cost advantages, and flexible services.
As electrification and intelligence converge more deeply, companies with strong cross-domain integration capabilities will lead the future market landscape.
