GKN Driveline’s latest electric axle drive (eAxle) technology offers the option of adding all-wheel drive to PHEVs. Production is now underway at the company’s factory in Italy. The first application is the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV.

The eAxle’s single-speed design has a transmission ratio of 12.5:1. The system generates up to 2,000 N·m and 70 kW of additional torque and power, enough for a vehicle in electric mode to achieve speeds of up to 78 mph, and for an all-wheel drive (AWD) mode that accelerates faster than mechanical AWD systems.

“Our expertise in all-wheel drive is now making eAWD viable in smaller, more affordable vehicles,” said GKN CEO Phil Swash.

“GKN’s eAxle technology is passing a key milestone in its evolution at a time when the demand for all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrids is strengthening,” said GKN President of Engineering Peter Moelgg. “This latest system advances the business case for electric all-wheel drive capability in hybrids. A number of automakers are introducing our technology on their premium models.”

SEE ALSO: Electric torque vectoring: Q&A with GKN’s Advanced Engineering Director (Full Interview)

Source: GKN