The latest in the line of eDrive powertrains developed by the company, the 800V model has been brough forward by GKN in response to the growing global demand for electric vehicles. According to GKN, the new system is already in an advanced stage of development, with real-world testing currently underway. The company says the 800V eDrive platform will speed up charging times, enhance battery range, reduce weight and improve all-round performance.
“Global demand for EVs is accelerating fast and now is the perfect time for GKN Automotive to underpin its leadership in eDrive systems through next-generation technologies,” said GKN Automotive CEO, Liam Butterworth.
“These high-tech 800V systems will create faster charging cars with better battery range, improved driving performance and even greater efficiencies. GKN Automotive intends to continue delivering an increasingly electrified future.”
GKN says the development of the new eDrive platform has been aided by the company’s partnership with the Jaguar Racing Formula E team. It claims that some of the developments currently being developed for the team will be seen on the roads in cutting edge EVs within the next three years.
The company’s eDrive system has been in use for more than 20 years and already powers more than 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, with systems found in both electric and hybrid vehicles. GKN, which can trace its history back to 1759 and the UK’s industrial revolution, employs around 27,500 people across 20 countries around the world.
