GKN Makes Progress in Achieving Cost-Efficiency of Automotive Electrification
GKN Automotive has recently embarked upon implementation of the new stage in its electrification initiative. The major supplier of AWD and electric driveline solutions is currently working on standardization of P4 e-drive systems for environmentally friendly types of vehicles, with the aim to cut expenses and provide performance gains.
This technology brings together an e-motor and
inverter with the single-speed transmission module that increases the torque.
The inverter has its own separate casing, ensuring increased maintainability.
The P4 systems are based on the company’s
solid expertise and knowledge in developing e-axle and driveline solutions, as
well as on system integration experience obtained from years-long production
processes of eDrive solutions. The P4 technology will utilize only 3
electrical machines and 2 inverters. The line of 3 e-machines ensures improved
power and torque parameters. Standardizing their dimensions reduces tooling
expenses and R&D work, optimizes assembly expenditures, and improves
quality.
According to the auto industry predictions, in
the near future, one in every ten cars sold all over the world will be a
battery-powered EV. Thus, advantages of the P4 technology will it extremely
attractive to automakers, currently investing significant financial resources
in implementation of their electrification concepts. To ensure better
cost-efficiency without any harm to operating characteristics, the company
counts on single-speed units for physical realization of P4 eDrive solutions.
Learn more about GKN and its products
Design peculiarities of the P4 technology make it more efficient and economically viable than P2 and P3 solutions. P4 units transfer torque directly to the wheels and recuperate energy from the wheels during the process of braking. GKN is considered to be one of the leading providers of advanced P4 e-drive systems. The company was the 1-st to present the eAxle solution to the auto market 18 years ago, and now it is rightfully considered to be a trend-setter in this segment.
