The two-year collaborative research and development project has designed and developed three research technology demonstrators to showcase next-generation technology for a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV); a plug-in hybrid (PHEV); and a full battery electric vehicle (BEV). The technologies were unveiled by Jaguar Land Rover and the project partners at the LCV2015 low carbon vehicle show on Wednesday.

GKN Driveline has developed new electric drive technologies as part of its role in the Concept_e project, a £16-million (US$25-million) UK Government-backed initiative to develop advanced hybrid and electric powertrain systems.

GKN designed, developed and integrated two eAxles into the BEV powertrain, including a single speed and a two-speed transmission. Both eAxles build on existing GKN eDrive technology already in series production on leading hybrid electric vehicles, with GKN’s engineers adapting them for use on a heavier, all-wheel drive SUV platform.



GKN BEV single speed eAxle Click to enlarge.

We took eAxles primarily designed for city and performance-focused vehicles and engineered them for a completely different application that required good off-road capabilities. The technology developed for the Concept_e project certainly has production potential and the data generated from this project will be useful for future developments. GKN has been shaping the future of hybrid electric technology for the past 10 years with programs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, BMW i8 and Porsche 918 Spyder, so we were pleased to lend our expertise and experience to this fantastic project. —Peter Moelgg, GKN Automotive President of Engineering

The single-speed eAxle, coupled with an 85 kW electric motor, is utilized on the vehicle’s front axle and has been engineered to operate at 15,000 rpm. The two-speed eAxle, based on the PACE award winning eAxle developed for the BMW i8, helps power the rear wheels and offers electric power across the BEV’s entire speed range. It is coupled with a 145 kW electric motor.

Due to the vehicle’s tight packaging requirements, GKN’s engineers rotated the two-speed gearbox by approximately 120 degrees compared to its series-production application.

The unique position of this transmission created the need to optimize and ensure lubrication to critical areas within the gearbox. We developed and validated a bespoke oil guide to guarantee sufficient oil flow to the gear shift mechanism, bearings and seals during all driving conditions. —Mehul Parmar, GKN project leader for the program

The combination of the two eAxles allows permanent all-wheel drive capability and high torque at low speed from the 2-speed gearbox for dynamic driving. GKN systems integration capabilities were utilized to assist in the development of software that interfaces between the vehicle and the technology.

The technology was developed by engineers based at GKN Driveline’s Birmingham and Lohmar facilities, with support from colleagues in Italy.