GKN Automotive and Delta join forces on e-drives

GKN Automotive and Delta Electronics are launching a strategic cooperation for the development and marketing of electric drives for the 80 to 155 kW power class. The drives from the joint development are to be launched on the market in three years.

At the heart of the cooperation are the 3-in-1 drives that combine electric motor, transmission and power electronics in one unit. The British company GKN Automotive is contributing its expertise in engines and transmissions, while Delta, based in Taiwan, is manufacturing the power electronics.

The result should be drive units that are light and compact, as well as easy for OEMs to assemble and integrate the drives into their vehicles. The aim is to ensure that the drives can be installed in both front and rear engines (and in combination as an all-wheel-drive). Two families of electric drives are planned, which differ mainly in terms of maximum torque – making them suitable for either BEV or hybrid applications. The nominal torque ranges from 2,000 to 3,800 Newton metres, the nominal power spectrum from 80 to 155 kW.

The two companies hope that the cooperation will provide more technical possibilities and a faster pace of development with easier access to each partner’s technical expertise. GKN has been building electric motors since 2002. The co-development of the new electric drive technology will we inverters supplied by Delta Electronics integrated with GKN eMotor and gearbox system in a 3-in-1 solution. Over the next 12 months, GKN’s 3-in-1 drives are expected to be installed at five manufacturers, although these are not yet part of the cooperation. GKN says they are currently working with BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche, Volvo and PSA, among others.

Simon Chang, COO of Delta Electronics Inc., 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.”

Delta Electronics is the world’s largest manufacturer of switching power supplies and DC fans. Delta Electronics’ other businesses include power management solutions, displays, automation, networking products and renewable energy solutions.

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