GKN’s latest all in one eDrive system enters test phase
March 1, 2018
The eTwinsterX, GKN’s latest electric driveline system (Courtesy GKN plc)
A working prototype of GKN’s new coaxial electric axle system, the eTwinsterX, is now running in a demonstrator vehicle at GKN Driveline’s ‘Wintertest’ engineering facility in Arjeplog, Sweden. The new ‘all-in-one’ eDrive system is said to feature an integrated electric motor, efficient two-speed e-transmission and torque vectoring capability using GKN’s Twinster clutch pack technology.
The eTwinsterX incorporates a 120 kW downsized electric motor and is capable of delivering maximum torque up to 3,500 Nm. It can operate up to maximum vehicle speeds of around 250 kph. According to the company, the eTwinsterX system is significantly smaller than many eDrive systems with equivalent power outputs, which it expects will enable easy integration into a wide range of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles.
The company stated that the range of potential applications for the EV driveline is extensive, spanning from entry-level electric city cars to SUVs and fully electric all-wheel drive hypercars. The prototype is currently installed GKN Driveline’s Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 prototype vehicle as a rear-wheel drive, in a format enabling plug-in hybrid functionality.
Peter Moelgg, CEO of GKN Driveline’s AWD and eDrive business, stated, “When we revealed this concept at Frankfurt [at the 2017 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show], we said that eTwinsterX would deliver unrivalled capabilities for the next generation of electric vehicles. Our team has worked hard to prepare the first prototype for the ‘Wintertest’ programme, and we look forward to demonstrating the system in full.”
“The dynamic development of eTwinsterX is testament to GKN’s unique position in being able to deliver an integrated e-motor, two-speed e-transmission and torque vectoring within a complete eAxle system. Our calibration expertise also means that we can optimise these technologies to deliver fully brand-aligned experiences for our global OEM customers,” he concluded.
GKN’s Twinster technology has been developed over recent years and the company stated that is now expanding the number of applications in which it can deliver the technology’s benefits across the growing range of Twinster systems. The company’s 2018 Wintertest programme at Arjeplog will be used to evaluate a number of developments to the existing production Twinster system, as well as new applications, and to evaluate prototype systems in-depth.
