World’s first two-speed eAxle for hybrids and EVs 12 November 2014

Driveline equipment giant GKN has introduced what is believed to be the industry's first two-speed eAxle -- with the BMW's i8 plug-in hybrid sports car being the first production recipient.

"Our expertise in driveline efficiency, torque vectoring and electric drive systems is enabling automakers to connect drivers to the road in new ways," comments GKN Automotive CEO Andrew Reynolds-Smith.

"We are developing the systems that are helping bring a new generation of electric drive vehicles to life."

"Two-speed eAxles will help manufacturers enhance hybrid and electric drivetrains and support the trend to downsize eMotors to reduce weight and cost," states Theodor Gassmann, GKN Driveline's vice president product technoloy eDrive systems.

"With the technology proven in a high-performance vehicle with high levels of refinement, significant savings in CO2 are possible."

Giving the electric motor an additional gear ratio improves acceleration and pure electric range, benefiting both driving dynamics and CO2 emissions, he explains.

GKN's two-speed eAxle also enables the motor and all its associated systems to be downsized, reducing mass and further increasing efficiency -- with clear implications for commercial vehicles in subsequent iterations.

eAxle technology enables vehicle products to produce 'axle-split hybrids'.

A conventional or hybridised engine provides the primary power to either the front or rear wheels, with the other axle driven by an eAxle module.

Until now electric and axle-split hybrid vehicles have used single-speed transmissions. Using a fixed ratio limits electric drives in terms of either acceleration or top speed as they must disconnect at certain speeds to prevent the motor over-spinning.

GKN's two-speed eAxle is the first to enable the electric drive to boost the vehicle's performance across its entire speed range.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
GKN Automotive

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