The PSA Group and Punch Powertrain has announced plans to set up a joint venture, called ‘Punch Powertrain PSA e-transmissions’, to produce the future generation of the electrified transmission (e-DCT), starting in 2022.

The e-DCT gearbox with a 48V configuration, will equip PSA’s future mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). With an excellent level of performance, this gearbox is claimed to save up to 15 percent fuel consumption and reduce emissions with the use of ZEV mode in heavy traffic conditions. This e-DCT technology will set the benchmark for dual-clutch transmissions in the passenger car and light commercial vehicle segments, says PSA.

This electrified dual clutch transmission will be designed and developed in Punch Powertrain research centers in Belgium and the Netherlands and manufactured at Groupe PSA’s plant in Metz (Greater East Region), which has been chosen for its cost-efficiency and recognised for its expertise in gearbox production.

The Metz plant will have an annual production capacity of 600,000 e-DCTs. In preparation for production, Punch Powertrain will carry out industrialization and design of the state-of-the-art production line.