New GKN Innovation Centre to help deliver electric dreams

Electric drivetrains will be a key area of focus, and the facility will help support GKN’s partnership with the Jaguar Racing Formula E team, announced at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show. Other technologies that will feature prominently include composite materials, energy storage and additive manufacturing. According to GKN, it has already used laser sintering to deliver custom-built fluid ports for Jaguar’s I-TYPE 2 Formula E racer.

The centre’s Abingdon site is the former home of Williams Hybrid Power (WHP), which developed flywheel technology for both motorsport and commercial vehicles. GKN acquired WHP for £8m in 2014.

“Our new UK Innovation Centre will develop an array of next-generation technologies that will deliver significant benefits to electric vehicle, motorsport and off-highway applications,” said Phil Swash CEO of GKN Driveline.

“For electrified systems in particular, GKN’s expertise will help automakers to develop lighter, quieter and more efficient vehicles. No other company can apply aerospace experience to automotive applications in the same way as GKN, unlocking exciting opportunities for additive manufacturing and composites.”