- GKN Automotive launches next-generation inverter
- Next-gen inverter compatible with advanced 800V electric vehicle technology
- New product offers increased efficiency, performance, and sustainability
GKN Automotive, the global leader in drive systems, has launched its next-generation inverter, offering OEMs the most advanced 800V electric vehicle technology available.
The upgraded product features a range of efficiency and lightweighting improvements to deliver market-leading performance and enhanced sustainability. The next-gen inverter, one of three modular elements of GKN Automotive’s leading eDrive platform, offers a 20 per cent power output increase over the previous version. In addition, power density is up by 50 per cent, power-to-weight ratio rises by 60 per cent, and copper content is reduced by 63 per cent.
A key development is the integration of 800V technology, which will mean faster charging times, increased battery size, and improved performance for future electric vehicles. By 2025, GKN Automotive forecasts the majority of electric vehicles on the market will utilise the technology. To offer OEMs complete flexibility on existing vehicles, the next-gen inverter is also compatible with existing 400V systems.
Christoph Gillen, Director of Systems Engineering, GKN Automotive, said: “The performance we have been able to deliver with the new inverter is an important next step in our mission to drive a cleaner, more sustainable world, as we’ve been able to vastly increase performance and improve efficiency. We believe that the future of EV technology is 800V architectures, so it was crucial that this product supported an 800V range and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”
This latest innovative product from GKN Automotive is a result of an ongoing mission to push the boundaries of development and drive a cleaner, more sustainable world. Support for this approach is provided by GKN Automotive’s Formula E partnership with Jaguar TCS Racing, which demonstrates how performance on track can inform the engineering of systems on the road, through accelerated development and testing in extreme, demanding scenarios.
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Notes to Editors
ABOUT GKN AUTOMOTIVE
GKN Automotive is the global leader in drive systems. A global automotive technology company that pioneered electric drive systems and is now driving the future of transportation. It is the trusted partner for most of the world’s automotive companies, specialising in developing, building and supplying market-leading drive systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies.
GKN Automotive’s market-leading Driveline division demonstrates strength in depth, with an extensive portfolio of products that combine value with technical expertise. The technologies span high-volume low-cost vehicles to top end premium cars with complex all-wheel drive driving dynamics. These world-class products are being constantly refined and improved for global customers.
The ePowertrain division now offers solutions for all electrified vehicles and is a go-to technology partner, creating the ultimate electrified driving experience. Its ability to fully integrate eDrive systems derives from its all-wheel drive legacy and leadership. The first eDrive system being fitted to a production car over 20 years ago and is now powering over 1.5 million electrified vehicles worldwide.
GKN Automotive is headquartered in the UK, operating in 20 countries and employing 25,000 people worldwide.
For further information, please contact:
Kate Saxton
Head of External Communication
GKN Automotive