News Article
GKN develops electric drive axles for hybrid and electric vehicles
July 15th, AUBURN HILLS, Michigan
GKN Driveline has designed a new range of electric- drive axles for use in both pure electric vehicles and for converting conventional vehicles into hybrids.
Using products available within its extensive driveline portfolio, GKN has been able to design,
validate and launch a variety of electric-drive axle products, which can incorporate passive and
active limited-slip differentials, torque-vectoring technology and disconnect systems to maximise
fuel economy and driving performance.
GKN Driveline has been a pioneer in electric drive axles, according to Ray Kuczera,
engineering director – Americas for GKN Driveline. Since 2002, the company has produced more than
200,000 units for various vehicle manufacturers.
Most recently GKN Driveline announced the development of an electric-drive axle for use in
the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4. The axle allows the front-wheel-drive vehicles to have all-wheel-drive
performance, supplemental traction and torque, hybrid fuel economy and the ability to operate in
"all electric" drive mode with zero emissions.
Peugeot’s electric drive axles incorporate GKN Driveline's proprietary disconnect clutch
technology, which facilitates on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) and contributes to overall
all-terrain functionality and fuel efficiency. The Peugeot HYbrid4 system has an electric motor
with a maximum capacity of 27kW and a maximum torque of 200Nm.
GKN Driveline’s electric drive axle in the HYbrid4 is capable of delivering 1500Nm of torque
to the vehicle’s rear wheels. Other units currently being developed have ratings of up to 2500Nm,
several of which will be ready for volume production by 2012.
"GKN’s experience in volume production of electric-drive axles as well as our wide variety of limited slip differentials and torque vectoring products, allows us to offer a range of products from simple electric vehicles to vehicles designed for maximum performance and handling.” said Rob Rickell, global engineering director of GKN Driveline. “Furthermore, our ability to partner with a wide variety of vehicle manufacturers allows us to provide the technology, the vehicle integration expertise and the flexibility to meet any demand.”
About GKN Driveline
GKN Driveline is the world’s leading supplier of automotive driveline components and systems. As a global company serving the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics.
GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of sideshafts, propshafts, mechanically and electronically controlled torque management systems and associated geared components.
About the GKN Group
GKN plc is a global engineering business serving mainly the automotive, industrial, off-highway and aerospace markets. It has operations in more than 30 countries, around 38,000 employees in subsidiaries and joint ventures and had sales of £4.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2009. GKN plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN). Additional information is available at
www.gkn.com
Company Contact:
Paul Dinwiddy
Global Communication Director
GKN Driveline
Tel: + 44 1527 533 646
Mobile: + 44 7801 077 523
Email: paul.dinwiddy@gkndriveline.com
Media Contact – Americas:
Larry Weis or Craig Miner
AutoCom Associates
Tel: + 1 248 647 8621
Mobile: + 1 248 705 4448
Email: lweis@usautocom.com or cminer@usautocom.com
Media Contact – Europe:
Simon Pearson
Tel: + 44 207 861 3158
Mobile: + 44 7836 744 192
Email: simon@s-pearson.com
