GKN unveils new electric powertrain systems

The developments are part of a two-year, £16m, research and development programme called the Concept e project, co-funded by Innovate UK. As part of the project, this week GKN revealed three research technology demonstrators for a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a full battery electric vehicle (BEV).

The technologies, unveiled by Jaguar Land Rover and the project partners at this week’s the LCV2015 low carbon vehicle show - include single and two-speed transmission ‘eAxles’. According to GKN, the powertrain systems build on eDrive technology already in series production on hybrid electric vehicles, with the company’s engineers adapting the technology for all-wheel drive SUV use.

“We took eAxles primarily designed for city and performance-focused vehicles and engineered them for a completely different application that required good off-road capabilities,” said Peter Moelgg, GKN Automotive president of engineering.

“The technology developed for the Concept_e project certainly has production potential and the data generated from this project will be useful for future developments.”