Schaeffler at CES 2026 (West Hall of LVCC, booth 7301) Schaeffler Paves Way to Software-Defined Vehicles, Modular Powertrains at CES 2026

2025-12-15 | Fort Mill, S.C.

• Schaeffler to showcase technologies for software-defined vehicles, modular powertrains and electrification at CES 2026
• Magnet-free sensors and actuators, advanced control architectures, and chassis solutions optimize vehicle performance, energy efficiency and system operation
• These innovations demonstrate Schaeffler’s ability to provide scalable, connected and software-enabled mobility solutions for OEMs

Schaeffler, The Motion Technology Company, will show its latest technologies related to software-defined vehicles, automated driving, magnet-free systems that eliminate rare-earth minerals, and modular powertrain solutions at CES 2026 in booth 7301 of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, on January 6-9.

Many of Schaeffler’s exhibited technologies demonstrate the integration of its software expertise – some of which resulted from its acquisition of Vitesco Technologies – with its core competency in mechanical and electrical subsystems.

“Schaeffler’s presence at CES this year reflects how rapidly we are advancing the technologies required for the next generation of software-defined and electrified vehicles,” said Jeff Hemphill, Chief Technology Officer, Schaeffler Americas. “By combining our expanded software capabilities with integrated motion, energy, and control systems, we are creating architectures that reduce system complexity, enable real-time control, and eliminate dependencies like rare-earth materials. These innovations position us to support OEMs as they transition to scalable, efficient and highly integrated vehicle platforms.”

Enabling Software-Defined Vehicles

The automotive industry is moving rapidly towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs) that, while increasingly complex, are based on connected and continuously upgradable vehicle platforms capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates and AI integration. This change brings the increased challenge of integrating complex electronics, energy management and safety-critical systems without degrading performance.

Schaeffler’s reimagined Master and Zone Controller architecture will transform cars into intelligent, connected platforms. At their core, these controllers are the “central brain” of a vehicle designed to simplify, secure and enhance the driving experience. In this area, Schaeffler will demonstrate its High Performance Master Control Unit (HP MCU), which is part of the company’s functional integration platform for lateral and longitudinal acceleration, thermal and energy management, driving/charging strategy, and shift-/steer-/brake-by-wire systems. The HP MCU’s modular design accommodates a microcontroller and microprocessor to support the highest level of functional vehicle safety and ensure secure cross-systems communication. This is augmented by Schaeffler’s Zone Controllers, which are embedded within defined vehicle zones to ensure that electronic systems work together seamlessly, support software updates, distribute energy optimally, and promote smooth communication throughout the vehicle’s systems.

Additional SDV-related technologies Schaeffler will demonstrate during CES 2026 include:

• Hand Wheel Actuator: The prerequisite for highly automated driving is the removal of the mechanical connection between steering wheel and steering gear. The Hand Wheel Actuator senses the commands from the driver and transmits these "by-wire" as electronic signals. Schaeffler’s Hand Wheel Actuator is based on a versatile platform: it contains a Force Feedback Actuator, creating a steering feel that is adaptable to customer requirements. Scalable axial-adjust and stowability deliver sizeable space gains for the driver and allow new interior concepts.
• HV DC/DC Converters (Generation 4 & 5): These converters transform high-voltage battery power to supply low-voltage networks. Generation 5 provides scalable 3.7 kW DC/DC power with flexible 400- to 800-volt input and 12- to 48-volt output with a compact design under 2 kg, offering high efficiency. Generation 4 offers 3.6 kW power, redundancy for two-phase operation, and compliance with EMC and AUTOSAR standards.
• LV Power Distribution Units (LV PDU) and Energy Boosters: Schaeffler’s LV PDU replaces conventional fuses with e-fuses to ensure the reliability of safety-critical systems, while supporting redundancy for autonomous driving. The LV Energy Booster provides emergency peak power for 12- volt or 48-volt networks, supports downsized or alternative battery architectures, enables operation in temperatures as low as -40 °C, and helps reduce system costs.

Advancing Energy Efficiency Through Chassis Innovation and Vehicle Dynamics

Balancing vehicle performance with energy efficiency and vehicle cost is an ever-increasing challenge. Schaeffler aims to address this through advanced chassis technologies like its Magnet-Free Inductive Rear Wheel Steering (iRWS) Sensor, which measures the position and angle of a vehicle's rear wheels to provide precise feedback to the steering control unit. This allows the electronic system to control the rear wheels for improved agility, stability and safety, especially at high speeds or during low-speed maneuvers like parking. The lightweight iRWS sensor uses inductive technology that relies on electromagnetic fields to detect angular and linear wheel position without physical contact, offering high efficiency and safety. And, because Schaeffler’s iRWS is magnet-free, the need to incorporate costly rare-earth minerals is eliminated.

Schaeffler will also show its Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor/actuator specifically developed for steering applications. The BLDC is a complete product including bearings, shaft, housing and sensor magnet for rotor position that can be adjusted in size to meet torque and space requirements. In addition to steering applications, it can be used for other chassis functions where high-power density, low inertia and safety compliance are important.

Beyond these chassis and vehicle dynamics technologies, the Schaeffler exhibit will also include:

• Rear Wheel Steering (RWS): Adding steering functionality to the rear axle improves a vehicle’s maneuverability in city traffic, enhances lane-change stability, and makes parking easier. This is particularly beneficial in BEVs by offsetting disadvantages related to longer wheelbases required by underfloor battery trays. However, vehicles of all powertrain types benefit from the system’s enhanced agility and improved driving performance.
• Planetary Roller Gears: These compact, high-power-density electromechanical actuators replace hydraulic systems to offer robust performance under heavy loads.
• Optimized Wheel Bearings & TriFinity™ 3rd-Generation Bearings: High-stiffness, maintenance-free bearings ensure precise torque transmission, ABS signal output and direct wheel guidance. Triple-row TriFinity bearings for electric powertrains increase load density, reduce friction, and enhance stiffness without increasing size, enabling energy efficiency, downsizing and extended service life.
• Integrated Steer-by-Wire Systems: Hand Wheel and Force Feedback Actuators eliminate mechanical steering linkages while adapting to both autonomous and manual driving. The Road Wheel Actuator provides precise vehicle control across all segments, from passenger cars to SUVs and light trucks.

Compact Solutions for Next-Generation EV and Hybrid Platforms

As EV and hybrid platforms evolve, OEMs are challenged to manage growing complexity while reducing system weight. Schaeffler meets this challenge with integrated modules that provide compact, efficient solutions for next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles, such as its SuperBox 4in1, a compact 800-volt power electronics solution that integrates the inverter, onboard charger, high-voltage DC boost and auxiliary modules (48V/12V). Through dual low-voltage networks and V2X smart grid capabilities, it simplifies charging circuitry while reducing cost, weight and volume.

Schaeffler’s Battery Packs are complex devices that encompass control systems, advanced thermal management systems, mechanical structures, state-of-the-art battery cells and system integration. This broad set of requirements aligns well with Schaeffler's core technologies and offers many opportunities to apply its innovative capabilities toward enhancing performance, safety and reliability. Schaeffler innovations include lightweight battery housings, advanced cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures, and sensor technologies for monitoring battery condition and safety. These solutions enhance battery durability, energy efficiency and overall system reliability – even in the most demanding applications. To extend battery life, proprietary algorithms monitor state of charge (SoC) and health (SoH), as well as dynamic current limits.

Finally, Steering and Traction Drive Modules are highly integrated for EV platforms, combining efficient motors, gear trains, active cooling and safety systems into a compact, unified solution.

The Future of Vehicle Technology

As a leader in vehicle technology, Schaeffler continues to provide OEMs with integrated, scalable solutions that advance electrification, optimize vehicle dynamics, and enable software-defined architectures and automated driving. By leveraging its extensive expertise across powertrain, chassis and software systems, the company helps design vehicles that are safer, more efficient and better equipped to meet the demands of today’s drivers while preparing for the mobility challenges of tomorrow.

At CES 2026, Schaeffler will demonstrate how its technologies are shaping the next generation of autonomous, electrified and software-defined vehicles through modular, high-performance solutions that give OEMs the tools to meet evolving mobility demands.

More information about Schaeffler’s activities at CES 2026 can be found here.
https://www.schaeffler.us/us/news_media/dates-events/ces/