AUBURN HILLS, Mich.,
Nov. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN
Driveline has continued its global electric axle (eAxle) drive
partnership with the BMW Group, supplying eAxle technology for a
plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X1 for the Chinese market. The
system is part of the same scalable family of eAxles used in the
plug-in hybrid BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe.
GKN Driveline Chief Executive Officer Phil Swash said: "This latest program launch for
The BMW Group in China shows GKN's
global leadership in electric drive systems. From the i8 sports car
to the X1, GKN's work with the BMW Group reflects our position as
the development partner of choice for the new wave of plug-in
hybrids with electric AWD."
Early adopters of GKN's electric axle drive used the technology
to create plug-in hybrid sports cars with electric all-wheel drive
that enhanced performance and efficiency. Automakers are now
equipping a new generation of compact vehicles with GKN electric
drive technology.
Peter Moelgg, Chief Executive of GKN Driveline's AW&E Drive
business, added: "Automakers' evolving powertrain strategies
require suppliers with a focus on mass-production of key
technologies – and system integration capability. The combination
of our proven driveline innovation experience, all-wheel drive
expertise and eAxle production capabilities are making eAWD viable
in compact vehicles. GKN's hardware and software expertise is also
supporting the development of future platforms – these will need
driveline suppliers to interface effectively with the rest of the
vehicle's electronic architecture."
The system will be supplied from GKN's facility in Bruneck,
Italy, but application and
development work for the technology was conducted by GKN's
operations in Shanghai, China.
For compact car applications, GKN's single-speed design has a
transmission ratio of 12.5:1, reducing the electric motor speed in
two stages. The system generates up to 2,000Nm and 70kW of
additional torque and power – enough for a vehicle's pure electric
mode to achieve speeds of up to 125km/h and for an all-wheel drive
(AWD) mode that accelerates faster than conventional mechanical AWD
systems.
The lightweight electric axle weighs just 20.2kg and its compact
dimensions facilitate packaging and installation in smaller
vehicles. The unit has a length of 457 mm, a width of 229 mm and a
height of 259 mm.
When hybrid operation is not required, an electromechanically
actuated dog clutch disconnects the e-machine from the driveline,
minimizing losses at higher vehicle speeds. GKN has also optimized
gear and bearing arrangements for optimum efficiency, NVH (noise,
vibration and harshness) and durability.
ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions;
GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land
Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land
systems markets. Over 55,000 people work in GKN companies and joint
ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London
Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.7 billion in the year to 31 December 2015.
ABOUT GKN DRIVELINE
GKN Driveline is the world's leading automotive driveline
technology and systems engineer. As a global company serving the
world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline designs,
develops, manufactures and integrates an extensive range systems
for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most
sophisticated and dynamic premium vehicle. As a vehicle
optimisation specialist, GKN helps OEMs define the way a vehicle
drives whether two wheel drive, all wheel drive, hybrid or pure
electric. GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ
Systems, AWD and eDrive Systems and operates in 23 countries at 46
locations employing approximately 25,500 people.
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SOURCE GKN Driveline