Manufacturers can Use Crate EV System to Make Transition to Electric Powertrains Easier

Swindon Powertrain has announced that it has developed a crated EV system that specialist manufacturers can use to make it easy for a vehicle to switch easily from a conventional to an electric powertrain.

The High Power Density (HPD) EV system which comprises an 80kW single motor, inverter and a single-speed transmission along with the associated cooling systems weighs only 70 kg (154 lb). The HPD powertrain is compact enough to fit easily into an original Mini. Swindon Powertrain demonstrated this by using the firm’s Swind E-Classic Mini that it would be producing on a small scale basis.

Swindon Powertrain conceptualized the HPD project in collaboration with iNetic and the automotive engineering firm Code. It has been funded by the Niche Vehicle Network and is meant to develop tooling and manufacturing techniques for the powertrain. The goal is to produce a viable powertrain which can reach production by the summer of 2020.

Flexibility with mounting points and component locations has been incorporated as part of the design so that the powertrain can be used in a wide range of applications. According to Swindon, the HPD EV system should be particularly suitable for use in sports cars, commercial vehicles and leisure vehicles like quad bikes. It is also likely to be viable for use as an e-axle for hybrid vehicles.

Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphaël Caillé said that after the company launched its E-Classic Mini, it was clear that there was a lot of demand for compact powertrains among the niche OEMs and even among individual customers. The company’s solution was to develop a system that would make it a lot easier to introduce electrification to an existing platform as well as new iterations. The new system is very flexible so that it can be used in a wide range of vehicles and sectors with opportunities to ruggedize. Swindon plans to commence deliveries by June 2020.