Nuneaton-based Horiba MIRA (
www.horiba-mira.com) — a world-leader in advanced engineering, research and product testing — has partnered with Japanese Tier One automotive supplier Keihin (
www.keihin-corp.co.jp) to develop next-generation electric-vehicle (EV) powertrains and control systems for OEM customers.
The collaboration will see Keihin and Horiba MIRA engage in an engineering programme that aims to develop an EV powertrain system with class-leading energy efficiency; this will initially be targeted at the Chinese market.
China has recently updated its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) points system to reward OEMs for the range their EVs can achieve per kWhr of battery capacity.
These regulations will drive the development of EVs that use battery energy and powertrains more efficiently,
not just larger batteries. MIRA China (a subsidiary of Horiba MIRA) will provide local support to the project.
Chitoshi Yokota, Keihin’s president, said: “With the increasing demand for electric powertrains, particularly in Japan and China, we are committed to developing cutting-edge technology to help OEMs bring low-carbon vehicles onto our roads.
“With Horiba MIRA’s expertise in EV engineering and powertrain software, we look forward to developing the next generation of EV technology.”