GKN’s Supercar Hybrid Tech Now Available in Mass Market

GKN has good news for those who crave for a more exhilarating driving experience: it is transferring its innovative hybrid technology from sports cars such as the BMW i8 and Porsche 918 Spyder into affordable compact vehicles. The British company has developed an eAxle module that will enable C-segment vehicles to provide buyers with a plug-in hybrid option with enhanced performance and a reduction in CO2 emissions of over 50 percent.

According to GKN Automotive President of Engineering Peter Moelgg, GKN spearheads the industry in eAxle technology, and they wanted to make plug-in hybrids a simple upgrade for consumers and manufacturers. He said that with their systems now proven in halo hybrid sports car programs and premium SUVs, carmakers are working with them to roll out eAxle technology in a broader range of vehicles. Moelgg added that innovations by their hardware and software engineers would place the efficiency and performance benefits of plug-ins within the reach of several motorists.

The all-new eAxle is an evolution of the system that GKN designed for the 918 Spyder. The single-speed design reduces weight up to 20.9kg while enhancing efficiency, costs and installation space for mass-market vehicle applications. There is a two-staged geartrain with a gear ratio of 12.5 that offers up to 2000Nm torque and 65kW power for a dynamic pure-electric mode and balanced wheel torques for AWD mode. Plus, an electromechanically actuated dog clutch disconnects the electric motor at higher vehicle speeds and an open coupling reduces rotating losses when disengaged. Thanks to precision engineering, the gear teeth as well as other acoustic measures ensure minimal noise emissions.

With GKN’s development, the balance of power in vehicles is moved from internal combustion towards electric drives. Hence, a C-segment plug-in hybrid could now have an engine output of around 100kW, with a GKN eAxle supplying an extra 65kW of electrical power. The eAxle can boost 0-100kph acceleration times by a number of seconds, offer a useable pure electric range and cut down a car’s CO2 emission rating to less than 50g/km.

Front-wheel drive vehicle platforms can incorporate GKN’s compact, lightweight single-speed eAxle modules into the vehicle’s rear assembly to offer a combination of plug-in hybrid and electric AWD functionalities.

According to Rainer Link, GKN Driveline Managing Director of eDrive Systems, GKN’s position as the sole hybrid technology supplier that could also deliver complete AWD systems makes them an ideal partner on these programs. He added that their vehicle integration teams could support carmakers in the tuning of their vehicle’s eAWD mode, ensuring that the torque delivery results in the right front-rear balance and delivers GKN’s trademark driving characteristics.

Since 2002, GKN has been pioneering the launch of eAxle technology, rolling out the industry’s first high voltage eAxle applications with PSA Peugeot Citroen in 2010. In fact, the company was awarded Official Porsche Technology Partner status for its contribution to the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder program. It also introduced the first two-speed eAxle in the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and supplies the eAxle on the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV program.