GKN supplies innovative eAxle to plug-in hybrid Volvo S90

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Apr 18, 2016, 12:42 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GKN Automotive and Volvo Cars are continuing their successful driveline development partnership with the new Volvo S90 plug-in hybrid. By producing an eAxle system that fits in the same space as a standard rear drive module, GKN innovation enables Volvo Cars to offer customers a plug-in hybrid as a simple, high-performance upgrade.

GKN Driveline will supply the eAxle for the Volvo S90 hybrid. By producing an eAxle system that fits in the same space as a standard rear drive module, GKN innovation enables Volvo Cars to offer customers a plug-in hybrid as a simple, high-performance upgrade. GKN has pioneered eAxle development, making the systems smaller, more powerful and easier to integrate into vehicles. The company's eAxles enable vehicles to offer useful pure electric ranges of more than 20 miles; in the case of the Volvo S90 the vehicle can travel up to 28 miles in pure electric.

GKN Automotive President of Engineering Peter Moelgg said: "Consumers expect premium brands to offer truly innovative driving experiences. Plug-in hybrids with electric power driving the rear-wheels are the ultimate feel-good upgrade for consumers – they offer huge advances in environmental performance, driver enjoyment, fuel economy and refinement. GKN's eAxle technology and driveline systems integration expertise is making them a commercial reality."

GKN's eAxle takes power from a 65 kW, 240Nm electric machine with a nominal maximum input speed of 13,000rpm and, via a two-stage single speed gearbox with a ratio of 10:1, delivers a nominal output torque of 2400Nm. The system supports both pure electric driving and full all-wheel drive capability where the rear wheels are driven by electric power and the front by a combustion engine.

In AWD and power mode the engine operates continuously and a 34kW engine mounted ISG ensures the charge level in the battery pack to supply the eAxle with requested power.

The technology first launched on the new Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid SUV. Its innovative co-axial design means that the eAxle is no bigger than the S90's standard rear drive module. The system has a high internal efficiency of around 97.5% and uses a differential with electronic disconnect to decouple the electric motor at times to minimize losses.

GKN has pioneered eAxle development, making the systems smaller, more powerful and easier to integrate into vehicles. The company's eAxles enable vehicles to offer useful pure electric ranges of more than 20 miles; in the case of the Volvo S90 the vehicle can travel up to 28 miles in pure electric. The technology also gives vehicles a substantial upgrade in terms of driving dynamics, performance, refinement and all-weather traction.

GKN works as a development partner on all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid systems for Volvo Cars.

ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Over 55,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.7 billion in the year to 31 December 2015.

ABOUT GKN DRIVELINE
GKN Driveline is the world's leading supplier of automotive driveline technology and systems. As a global company serving the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, GKN Driveline develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of automotive driveline components – for use in the smallest ultra low-cost car to the most sophisticated premium vehicle demanding the most complex driving dynamics. GKN Driveline is a leading global producer of CVJ Systems, AWD Systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive Systems and operates in 23 countries at 46 locations employing approximately 25,500 people.

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SOURCE GKN Automotive