Driving Electrification
GKN is a world leader in driveline technologies, the systems in a vehicle that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, and is now pushing the boundaries of hybrid and purely electric vehicle technology as well.
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an additional electric propulsion system. HEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) drive systems are becoming increasingly popular, as vehicle manufacturers seek to engineer vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions which crucially do not have to compromise performance and a great driving experience.
GKN has been developing its hybrid and electric vehicle technology at its Research and Product Development Centres in Tochigi, Japan and Lohmar, Germany. Initial concepts focussed on enabling both hybrid power operation and electric all-wheel drive. This would allow a vehicle to operate as a full “parallel” hybrid - one in which an electric motor could work together with a petrol or diesel engine to deliver extra power and torque when needed. It was during this period that GKN Driveline approached Peugeot Citroën, confident that the new solution could provide the vehicle manufacturer with a competitive advantage.
As the relationship with Peugeot Citroën grew, so development activities increased focussing on, - among other things - compact packaging and a high-performance disconnect function. The latter is a speed related solution which ensures the system is not permanently engaged, further improving efficiency.
The new Peugeot 3008 will be available in 2011 and its HYbrid 4 driveline showcases what is possible for mass produced hybrid electric vehicles. GKN is pursuing 50 hybrid and electric vehicle projects globally in the wake of this electric rear axle project with Peugeot Citroën - a system that can turn any front-wheel-drive vehicle platform into an all-wheel-drive hybrid that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 35 percent, compared to the regular All-wheel Drive variant of the same type.