State-of-the-art technologies to be developed at new GKN innovation centre

GKN is honing a new ‘TorqueShift’ system for electric vehicles

State-of-the-art technologies to be developed at new GKN innovation centre
GKN Innovation Centre will develop state-of-the-art vehicle technologies.

GKN has opened a new UK innovation centre for its automotive division, which will focus on developing state-of-the-art vehicle technologies and systems.

The centre, in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, will use GKN’s expertise in electrified drivelines, lightweight structures, composite materials and additive manufacturing to create a range of new technologies for next-generation vehicles.

Central to GKN’s recently-announced official partnership with the Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E team, the UK innovation centre will also lead on delivering new components and technologies for the Jaguar Formula E electric race car.

GKN has already delivered its first parts for the I-TYPE 2 in the form of custom-built fluid ports made from laser-sintered steel.

“Next-generation technologies”

The new fluid ports demonstrate GKN’s expertise in additive manufacturing, which can deliver parts that are more durable, have more geometric freedom of design, and are much faster to build.

“Our new UK innovation centre will develop an array of next-generation technologies that will deliver significant benefits to electric vehicle, motorsport and off-highway applications,” said chief executive officer Phil Swash.

“For electrified systems in particular, GKN’s expertise will help automakers to develop lighter, quieter and more efficient vehicles.

“No other company can apply aerospace experience to automotive applications in the same way as GKN, unlocking exciting opportunities for additive manufacturing and composites.”

Efficiency gaining materials

On display at the launch were a range of advanced composite driveline elements, as well as a live demonstration of carbon fibre driveshaft manufacturing.

These composite shafts deliver significant weight reduction and efficiency gains for both electric vehicle and motorsport applications.

Furthermore, GKN’s whole-system expertise means it will be uniquely able to deliver carbon fibre driveline systems with optimum integration between shafts and constant velocity joints.

Two-speed power train

GKN developed the only two-speed eTransmission currently in production, for the BMW i8 hybrid supercar, and revealed the world’s first fully-electric drive system with two-speed gearing and Twinster torque vectoring technology at the Frankfurt Motor Show, eTwinsterX.

At the UK innovation centre, GKN is honing a new ‘TorqueShift’ system for electric vehicles.

Two-speed systems can deliver more ‘miles per kilowatt’ than conventional eDrive systems, but GKN is focused on developing the same seamless ‘dual-clutch feel’ experience for electric car drivers.

GKN’s engineers have developed a highly-sophisticated system for the TorqueShift demonstrator, which is able to master the high torsional stiffness, high inertia and high step ratio from the system.

Electric motors and flywheels

New flywheel technology has been designed specifically with commercial vehicles and off-highway applications in mind, delivering useful electric-driving capability without the higher cost of a plug-in hybrid or fully-electric system.

Flywheel systems provide an energy boost in peak-load scenarios, so combustion engines can be downsized for greater efficiency.

The UK innovation centre will deliver technical consultancy and new technologies, including lightweight driveshafts, efficient differentials and custom-built parts using additive manufacturing.

GKN’s considerable experience in delivering state-of-the-art electric vehicle systems means it will also advise on the development of the I-TYPE 2’s all-electric powertrain.

For further information about GKN, click ‘more details’ below.

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