NSK Develops Low-Torque Ball Bearings for Hybrid Vehicles

In recent years, demand for hybrid vehicles has been rising rapidly, thanks to the low fuel consumption and low emissions realized through a more efficient integration of the engine and electric motor. In order to further improve fuel efficiency, there is a growing need to reduce torque loss in the bearings used in the transmissions (drive-trains) of new generation hybrid cars. NSK has met this need with its new low-torque bearings, which dramatically reduce frictional loss. Going forward, NSK expects growing sales to automobile manufacturers of hybrid vehicles in and outside Japan. The new product will be featured first in Toyota’s latest Prius.