GKN Automotive and Delta Electronics to deliver three-in-one eDrive systems
Scalable three-in-one eDrive systems will be produced as a result of a collaboration project announced between eDrive systems supplier, GKN Automotive and power electronics company, Delta Electronics.
Integrated eDrive systems currently in development will enter production within three years. GKN Automotive supplies electric drive, all-wheel drive and driveline technology and systems; Delta Electronics provides power and thermal management. The companies will jointly develop integrated three-in-one eDrive systems of power classes from 80kW to 155kW.
Inverters will be supplied by Delta Electronics integrated with GKN Automotive´s eMotor and gearbox systems. The companies will also focus on system weight and packaging volume reduction and simplifying OEM assembly processes for easier and better-quality component installations.
The new collaboration will centre on the development of two new integrated eDrive families for application across different torque classes for the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles. Within three years, the new three-in-one eDrive units will be available for start of production in a multitude of vehicle types, from A-segment city cars to D-segment executive cars and sports utility vehicles (SUVs), supporting a range of torque outputs from 2,000Nm to 3,800Nm, with nominal power outputs of between 80kW to 155kW.
Liam Butterworth, CEO of GKN Automotive, said: “The eDrive market continues to accelerate as manufacturers are required to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations demanding technological progression and speed. Our collaboration with Delta represents a significant milestone in the expansion of our portfolio of scalable, integrated three-in-one eDrive solutions and our capabilities in rapidly bringing new cost competitive technologies to market”.
Simon Chang, COO of Delta Electronics, added: “Delta is dedicated to enabling low-carbon green transportation by providing EV powertrain solutions and power electronics products, including traction inverters, traction motors, on-board chargers, DC/DC converters and EV charging solutions to the market. We´re pleased to work with . . . GKN Automotive to produce integrated eDrive units for the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles”.
GKN Automotive has 17 years of eDrive development and integration expertise which has resulted in the production of more than one million eDrive units to date and a rapidly expanding order book. Delta Electronics has nearly 50 years’ expertise in power electronics and is currently supporting the world´s leading EV makers with its products.
The joint development agreement was signed by Mr. James Tang, Delta´s VP and GM of its Electric Vehicle Solutions Business Group (pictured second from right), and Mr. Hannes Prenn, COO of GKN Automotive´s ePowertrain business (second from left). Mr. Simon Chang, Delta´s COO (far right) and Mr. Liam Butterworth, GKN Automotive´s CEO (far left), led the ceremony.
