GKN Driveline 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’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.
