An Engineering Perspective on Cradle and Saddle Mount Configurations

The evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) demands optimized powertrain mounting systems to achieve superior Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance. This study presents a comparative evaluation of cradle-type and saddle-type mounting systems in EV applications. Experimental modal analysis and vehicle-level vibration testing were conducted to assess structure-borne and airborne noise transmission across operating conditions. Key factors such as mount stiffness, isolation efficiency, and dynamic load distribution were analyzed. Cradle systems exhibited better low- to mid-frequency isolation, whereas saddle systems offered advantages in packaging flexibility, high-frequency noise control, and reduced load distribution on supporting structures. These findings provide valuable guidance for selecting optimal mount strategies to enhance occupant comfort and acoustic quality in future EV designs. Recommendations for mount system improvements considering evolving EV architectures are also discussed. Keywords: Electric Vehicles, NVH, Powertrain Mounting Systems, Cradle Mounts