The global drive systems company GKN Automotive, which has its headquarters in the UK, operates in 21 countries and employs 27,500 people worldwide, is supplying its integrated two-in-one eDrive system — including a first in-house developed eMotor — to an all-electric city car now on sale.

The new system is matched to an inverter and is capable of providing up to 220Nm of ‘instantly available motor torque’, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100kph in 9.0sec while delivering 320km of zero-emissions driving.

Dirk Kesselgruber, president of GKN Automotive ePowertrain, said: “GKN Automotive is a global leader in eDrive technologies and this new system, now fully integrated into this all-electric city car, is proof of that. We are the go-to partner for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, collaborating with them to deliver exciting and sustainable electrified vehicles.”

The new two-in-one integrated eDrive unit incorporates GKN Automotive’s own 87kW motor and delivers an output torque of 2,100Nm in a package that weighs just 62.5kg (including oil). GKN says its two-in-one integrated layout is more compact, lighter, more efficient and more cost effective than electric vehicle systems incorporating separate components.

It also features an advanced electronic park lock system (ePLS) that allows the electric axle to provide a ‘park lock feature and function’. The development of the two-in-one eDrive system is part of GKN Automotive’s long-term electrification strategy. Currently, over 1.5 million vehicles are now on the road with GKN Automotive’s electrified technologies.

New models entering the market powered by the company’s technologies include four major global groups; these encompass 10 brands and include e a variety of vehicles from premium four-wheel drive SUVs to the New Fiat 500 electric city car.