Engineering news
GKN Driveline has developed a complete electric drive system for plug-in hybrid vehicles which will start production in 2019 on a global platform from a European vehicle manufacturer.
The module integrates a water-cooled electric motor and inverter with a single speed eAxle reduction gearbox. The system generates a maximum 65kW of power and can deliver up to 2,000Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
It is the first all-in-one eDrive system to replace external wiring with a bus bar and to eliminate unnecessary mechanical interfaces. This results in an eDrive system with higher power density that is simpler to install.
Tighter integration of electric drivelines improves system efficiency and gives car makers more packaging and assembly options, said GKN.
Phil Swash, chief executive of GKN Driveline, said: “This generation of vehicles is making hybridisation integral to platform strategies. These complex drivelines require the higher levels of system integration that GKN eAxle electric drive modules deliver.”
The complete eDrive module measures 300mm high and 325mm wide and weighs 54kg, making it around 20mm narrower and 2.5kg lighter than comparable systems. Despite significant differences in the acoustic signatures of the inverter, motor and gearbox, the overall system delivers a near silent electric driving experience.
Peter Moelgg, chief executive of GKN Driveline’s eDrive and All Wheel Drive business, said: “Automakers increasingly want complete eDrive systems from suppliers, rather than sourcing the different elements from different companies.”
GKN has been developing the eAxle technology since 2002 and has produced more than 300,000 units at its manufacturing facilities in Europe and Japan. The company launched the world’s first two-speed eAxle in the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and also supplies the eAxle on the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV programme.