Tier One supplier GKN revealed its newest electric driveline concept this morning, the eDrive system, which is fully integrated and can be used in both hybrid and fully electric applications.
The newly engineered two-speed transmission aims to maximize efficiency and boosts performance. This is thanks to eTwinsterX eAxle which features a coaxial format allowing the electric drive unit to be significantly smaller, while still delivering output comparable to larger systems.
This size reduction means that the driveline can be adapted to suit any vehicle type, from city cars to SUVs. And in a revolutionary move, the GKN design is the first e-axle with full off-road capabilities. In an addition to this, the eAxle incorporates Twinster torque vectoring technology, meaning the vehicle has optimized stability, agility and safety.
With the Tier One supplier using the experience of manufacturing over 400,000 eDrive units, the newest development features tightly packaged components and a powertrain that share a common housing. This means that the integrated format benefits OEMs when it comes to vehicle accommodation.
The all-new advanced driveline concept will make its debut at Frankfurt, and testing will begin in early 2018.
Peter Moelogg, CEO of GKN driveline AWD and eDrive, spoke to the media at Frankfurt about the company’s development on efficient and high-performance compact drive systems. “GKN is unique in being able to deliver an integrated e-motor, two-speed electrified transmission and torque vectoring within a complete eAxle system. GKN’s capability as a complete systems integration partner will also allow us to calibrate eTwinsterX to deliver fully brand-aligned experiences for our OEM customers around the globe.”
