GKN reveals new technologies to achieve compelling carbon savings

Global driveline leader GKN has showcased new carbon-saving systems and technologies at the UK’s Low Carbon Vehicle event on September 10-11. Smaller, more powerful GKN EVO drives for pure electric and extended range electric vehicles are on display alongside the company’s new Gyrodrive flywheel hybrid system for buses.

“Electric drive technologies and hybrid systems by GKN already power some of the most advanced vehicles on the planet: Le Mans-winning hybrid racecars; plug-in hybrid family vehicles and supercars; and now even London buses,” said Paul Wyatt, managing director of GKN Hybrid Power. “These latest innovations will make the low-carbon option even more competitive.”

Highlights of GKN’s stand at the Low Carbon Vehicle event include a flywheel hybrid system for buses, a new electric drive system for cars and delivery vehicles and a range extender engine for electric vehicles.

Alternative to batteries for buses

The Gyrodrive flywheel hybrid system, which can be fitted as new or retro fitted to bus fleets, improving fuel economy by around 20 percent – at a much lower cost than battery hybrid alternatives.

Gyrodrive uses a high-speed flywheel made of carbon fibre to store the energy generated by a bus as it brakes. It then uses the stored energy to power an electric motor, which helps accelerate the bus back up to speed.

Having proven its reliability in three years of endurance racing with Audi and extensive trials with London buses, Gyrodrive is designed to last for the life of the bus eliminating the need for any battery changes.

Electric drive with gearbox

The latest GKN EVO electric drive system for passenger cars and delivery vehicles. The prototype system integrates a GKN EVO axial flux electric motor with a single speed transmission, already proven in series production.

The use of new axial flux motor technology achieves much higher torque and power density in a smaller, lighter package. With tight integration into a proven electric gearbox technology, the space and efficiency savings should be compelling. GKN is understood to have received expressions of interest from several vehicle manufacturers already.

Range extender engine

A highly integrated GKN EVO electric motor which makes range extender engines for electric vehicles smaller, lighter and more efficient. By integrating GKN EVO’s innovative axial flux technology directly onto the crankshaft of an advanced downsized engine, the compact electric motor works as a highly efficient generator. By integrating GKN EVO’s innovative axial flux technology into the crankcase of an advanced downsized engine, the compact electric motor works as a highly efficient generator.

Photograph: GKN Hybrid Power Gyrodrive technology.