Magna’s new all-electric connected powertrain, the EtelligentReach, consists of two electric motors, inverters and gearboxes, and uses software to maximize vehicle range and driving dynamics. It will be deployed on “a new entrant vehicle in 2022.”

Magna says “eDrive technology advancements and the holistic vehicle development approach of the EtelligentReach” can achieve a range increase of up to 30% compared to some production BEVs in the same segment.

Magna’s approach optimizes the interaction of individual eDrive components and the entire vehicle with a software package that manages multiple vehicle functions. On the new vehicle, for example, EtelligentReach uses a modular control unit that integrates various powertrain and chassis functions. This includes a vehicle dynamics controller with a disconnect system that’s designed to increase efficiency while reducing emissions, and a longitudinal torque vectoring function designed to improve safety by controlling each axle individually in all road conditions.

Additional efficiency gains are achieved by using silicon carbide within Magna´s inverter.

“This is definitely a story where the sum is greater than the parts,” said Magna Powertrain President Tom Rucker. “The EtelligentReach reduces range anxiety and improves driving dynamics, providing automakers with a complete all-electric powertrain system with AWD that is exciting and efficient. We can create maximum efficiency by precisely orchestrating how every component works in concert to achieve the best possible performance.”

Magna is contracted to build the Fisker Ocean electric SUV, which is scheduled to go into production in November, and Green Car Reports speculates that this may be the “new entrant vehicle” Magna is referring to. Could the “unique clutch” that Henrik Fisker has teased be the same as Magna’s “disconnect system?”

The Magna-Steyr factory in Graz, Austria currently builds the Jaguar I-Pace, which Magna has used as a demonstrator for both the EtelligentReach system and the e4 system, which also used Magna’s own front and rear motors, gearboxes and software. Magna claimed a 25% improvement in range over the stock I-Pace.

Source: Magna via Green Car Reports