GETRAG to provide powertrain unit for Volvo C30 Drive Electric
08 November 2010
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| The 1eDT240 drive unit. Click to enlarge. |
The GETRAG Corporate Group, a specialist in transmission and drive technology, has secured a contract from Volvo Car Corporation to supply its electric drive unit 1eDT240 for the electric version of the Volvo C30. Volvo Car Corporation plans low-scale production of a fleet of the vehicle for field testing with customers. (Earlier post.)
Currently the highest-performance single-motor drive unit in GETRAG’s eDRIVE electric drive lineup, the 1eDT240 uses a permanently excited synchronous machine with a maximum output of 82 kW (at a nominal voltage of the electric energy storage system of 360V) and torque of 220 N·m (162 lb-ft). The coaxial drive unit was specifically developed for purely electric driving; it is characterized by the partial integration of the electric motor and is compact as a result.
GETRAG placed particular emphasis on noise-optimized gearing and very high efficiency in the development of the unit. The system’s maximum drive torque of 2,400 N·m (1,770 lb-ft) offers sufficient traction force to make sporty acceleration possible. The 1eDT240 drive unit benefits from use of large-scale series production parts from the GETRAG modular system.
If required, the 1eDT240 can also be equipped with a higher-performance electric motor delivering up to 145 kW. The single-gear transmission offers two gear stages and can be supplied in three different transmission ratios—6.4; 8.0; and 10.2—depending on the performance and torque requirement..
The 1eDT240 drive unit can be fitted in a wide variety of electric and hybrid vehicles with front or rear-wheel drive thanks to its compact, versatile design. This unit can cover the entire range from city to sports car and even light truck applications.
—Alexander Strube, Chief Program Engineer for E Drive at GETRAG
GETRAG has been active in the field of electric drive systems since 1992 and has already received several series production orders and a large number of development contracts in this area. Several electric-drive test fleets—e.g. of the BMW MINI, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL and the Necar Series—have already been equipped with GETRAG drive technology.
The GETRAG Corporate Group is one of the largest system suppliers for transmissions and powertrain systems worldwide. The automotive transmission portfolio comprises manual, automated manual and dual clutch transmissions. The powertrain portfolio contains axle differentials, power take-off units and torque management systems. GETRAG also offers a range of hybridization and electrification of transmissions and powertrains.
While we can argue about future battery costs all day, components like this and the associated power electronics will benefit from a scale up in production. This could reduce the premium of hybridisation.
Although people will pay a premium for trims, engines, 4WD and extras but these are never subjected to 'pay back' calculation the way hybrids are.
Posted by: 3PeaceSweet | 08 November 2010 at 12:21 PM
It is good to see GETRAG in the game. They have made good gearboxes for a long time and I wish them well with this.
Posted by: SJC | 10 November 2010 at 08:51 PM