Swindon Powertrain has announced a crated EV system designed to help specialist manufacturers switch easily to an electric powertrain.
The High Power Density (HPD) EV system comprises of an 80kW single motor, inverter and a single-speed transmission with the associated cooling systems. Weighing 70kg (154 lb), the HPD powertrain is sufficiently compact to fit in an original Mini – as demonstrated by the firm’s Swind E-Classic Mini that will be put into small-scale production.
The HPD project has been funded by the Niche Vehicle Network and designed in collaboration with iNetic and the automotive engineering firm Code. The project will develop tooling and manufacturing techniques for the powertrain with the aim of reaching production by the summer of 2020, and flexibility with mounting points and component locations has been designed in to make it suitable for a variety of applications. Swindon has highlighted sports cars, commercial vehicles and leisure vehicles such as quad bikes as possible recipients of the system, as well as its viability as an e-axle for hybrid vehicles.
Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphaël Caillé commented, “After launching our E-Classic Mini, it was clear that there was demand for compact powertrains among the niche OEMs as well as individuals. Our solution will make it significantly easier to introduce electrification to an existing platform as well as new iterations. We’ve made it very flexible so it can fit a range of vehicles and sectors with opportunities to ruggedize. Our aim is to start deliveries by June next year.”
