NTN Develops High-Precision Bearing Torque Calculation Method to Boost EV Efficiency

Japanese bearing manufacturer NTN has recently developed a new torque calculation method for oil-lubricated ball bearings, achieving 50% higher accuracy under high-speed operating conditions compared to conventional methods. This innovative approach divides the raceway surface into contact and non-contact zones for separate calculations, enabling more precise modeling of torque generation mechanisms—particularly beneficial for meeting the demands of electric and hybrid vehicles, which require low-torque, high-speed bearings. The new algorithm has already been integrated into NTN’s proprietary calculation software, enhancing calculation accuracy for customers during the early stages of product design and supporting the development of future low-torque bearing technologies to further advance automotive energy efficiency.