US power management company Eaton has been selected by an unnamed EV manufacturer to supply its ELocker differential system for use on a new plug-in hybrid SUV. 

The new model uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels and an electric motor or optional ICE to drive the front wheels, in contrast to a traditional PHEV, which uses an electric motor and ICE to power all the drive wheels.

The ELocker is an electronic locking differential that features net-forged gears to provide the durability required for off-road driving. Eaton says its electronic controls provide driver-selectable operation as well as greater reliability than similar air-controlled products. The press of a dash switch sends all available torque equally to the left and right wheels for maximum traction on difficult terrain.

“The ELocker had to be designed to be compatible with fluid in an electric drive, which is lighter and has a lower viscosity than axle and transmission oils,” said Mark Kramer, Business Unit Director, ePowertrain, Eaton’s Mobility Group. “To meet this challenge, Eaton engineers made adjustments to traditional ELocker designs by utilizing premium designs, materials and coatings.”

Source: Eaton