GKN has developed a new electric drive system which aims to make hybrid vehicles more efficient.
Several manufacturers are already testing the torque-vectoring system, which is part of the new ‘eTwinster’ technologies developed by the Swedish company.
The eTwinster is a plug-in hybrid module that makes it simpler for vehicle platforms to offer electric all-wheel drive and torque-vectoring.
“We have been building the momentum towards electric torque vectoring for some time,” said Peter Moelgg, GKN president of automotive technology. “We believe our prototype torque vectoring eAxle system represents the next step forward for the industry: a production-ready way to create higher performance hybrids that are more rewarding to drive.”
GKN forecasts approximately 40-45% of vehicles will have some level of electrification by 2025, with a greater proportion of hybrids’ power delivered from the electric motor. At present, mass-production vehicle platforms can only draw roughly 30% of their energy from a battery and GKN expects their system to provide 60-70% of power in future vehicles.
“GKN is focused on developing technologies that can achieve this crucial tipping point for electric drives in mass production,” added Moelegg. “More powerful, dynamic electric drives from GKN will help put batteries in the driving seat and create new electric driving experiences for customers.”