Vehicle Powertrain Technology

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 15.02.2026.

Module identifier

11B2319

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

After completing the module, students will be familiar with the general fundamentals of drive technology for motor vehicles. They have basic knowledge of the power requirements of motor vehicles and powertrain components. They will be familiar with the different drive units (electric machine, combustion engine) and the provision of energy by battery systems and fuel cells. You will be able to analyze stationary operating conditions and actively participate in the development process for vehicle drives.

Teaching and learning outcomes

1. introduction to vehicle drive technology
2. longitudinal vehicle dynamics
3. driving performance diagram
4. characteristic converter (clutch / gearbox)
5. drive units
    5.4 electric traction machine
          - Topology of electric drive trains
          - Design, operating behavior synchronous / asynchronous machine
          - inverter
    5.5 Internal combustion engine
          - Kinematics / forces and torques
          - Thermodynamics / combustion process
    5.6 Hybrid drive
6. Energy supply
    6.1 Tank system for hybrid drive
    6.2 Battery systems
    6.3 Fuel cell
    6.4 High-voltage electrical system

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
45LecturePresence-
15PracticePresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
25Preparation/follow-up for course work-
20Presentation preparation-
25Exam preparation-
20Study of literature-
Graded examination
  • Written examination
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Exam duration and scope

Written exam: See current regulations

Die experimental work comprises 3 to 5 experiments.

Recommended prior knowledge

Mathematics for mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering and measurement technology

Electrical drives

Thermofluiddynamics

Knowledge Broadening

Students have a broad-based knowledge of the scope, characteristics and key areas of drive technology for motor vehicles.

Knowledge deepening

Students have practical knowledge of the vehicle drivetrain and its components and have a comprehensive overview of the current state of development of the various drive units.

Knowledge Understanding

Students can recognize and explain complex relationships.

Application and Transfer

Students are able to apply standard evaluation methods and present the results in a structured manner. They are able to solve application-related tasks independently.

Literature

Robert Bosch GmbH, Reif, Konrad (et.al.): Kraftfahrtechnisches Taschenbuch ; Springer Vieweg 2019

Kampker, Achim, Heimes, Heiner Hans (Hrsg.): Elektromobilität: Grundlagen einer Fortschrittstechnologie; ‎ Springer Vieweg; 3. Aufl. 2024

Basshuysen, R. van, Fred Schäfer (Hrsg.): Handbuch Verbrennungsmotor; Braunschweig u.a.; Springer-Vieweg 2017

Applicability in study programs

  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)
    • Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks
    • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
    • Automotive Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Guhr, Carsten
    Teachers
    • Guhr, Carsten