An addition to the company’s eDrive portfolio, eCrate will come in three different variations: a 113kW 2-in-1 combination system of motor and transmission; or a fully integrated 3-in-1 system comprising an electric machine, transmission and inverter in either a 113kW or 185kW output.
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According to GKN, the off-the-shelf ‘plug-and-play’ concept will be targeted at the growing number of niche and low volume electric vehicle players in the automotive space, as well as the retro-conversion market. It claims eCrate will be suitable for a variety of purposes, ranging from cars of all sizes to light commercial vehicles in series production, and that the concept has the potential to drive electrification across the auto industry.
"We have spent the last 20 years producing leading eDrive technologies for global vehicle manufacturers, enabling them to drive the electric revolution,” said Dirk Kesselgruber, chief technology officer at GKN Automotive.
“Based closely on our existing technology, our new eCrate concept will bring this technology to even more customers looking for high-quality and cost-effective electric drive units in a plug-and-play format. By introducing new innovative and sustainable solutions, we are helping to drive a cleaner, more sustainable world.”
GKN Automotive’s first eDrive system was fitted to a production car over 20 years ago. The company says that more than two million electrified vehicles worldwide are powered by eDrive technology today.
The new eCrate concept will be showcased at GKN Automotive’s stand (booth number 25026) at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from 31 October to 3 November.
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