GKN Automotive launches next-gen inverter

RECHARGING is the focal point with EVs and in this area, UK-headquartered engineering outfit GKN has something of an edge following the introduction of the firm’s new high-output inverter.

GKN’s Automotive division is at the forefront of drive=system engineering and has launched its “next-generation inverter” to offering OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) the most advanced 800V electric vehicle technology available.

The upgraded product features a range of efficiency and weight-reducing improvements to deliver high levels of performance and enhanced sustainability.

The next-gen inverter, one of three modular elements of GKN Automotive’s 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 800V technology. To offer OEMs complete flexibility on existing vehicles, the next-gen inverter is also compatible with existing 400V systems.

 “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,” the director of systems engineering at GKN Automotive, Christoph Gillen, said. 

“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.”

GKN Automotive’s new product is a result of its mission to push the boundaries of development. Support for this approach is provided by GKN Automotive’s Formula E partnership with Jaguar TCS Racing, which demonstrates how performance on track can benefit the engineering of systems on the road “through accelerated development and testing in extreme, demanding scenarios.”

GKN Automotive is a global leader in drive systems; it also manufactures OEM components such as CV joints and so forth for vehicle makers.

It is a tier-1 global automotive technology company that pioneered electric drive systems and is now “driving the future of transportation.”

GKN Automotive is a partner for most of the world’s automotive companies, specialising in developing, building and supplying drive systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies.

Its driveline division has an extensive portfolio of products that combine value with technical expertise. The technologies span high-volume low-cost vehicles to premium cars with complex all-wheel-drive systems and products are constantly refined and improved for global customers.

Its ePowertrain division offers solutions for all electrified vehicles and described as “a go-to technology partner, creating the ultimate electrified driving experience”. 

GKN’s ability to fully integrate eDrive systems stems from its legacy of leadership in all-wheel-drive technology, the firm says. To put that in context, GKN’s first eDrive system was fitted to a production car over 20 years ago and now powers more than 1.5 million electrified vehicles across the globe.