Magna E-Car Systems launches demo fleet of 9 Chevrolet Equinox EVs; probing crossover-size EV performance
27 November 2011
Magna E-Car Systems has developed a demonstration fleet of 9 electric vehicles based on the Chevrolet Equinox crossover. The demonstration project, undertaken jointly with General Motors (GM) and with assistance to Magna E-Car Systems from an Ontario (Canada) government grant, is intended to enable Magna E-Car Systems and GM to gain insight into the performance of larger, crossover-segment class EVs.
The Equinox EV fleet is propelled by Magna E-Car Systems’ electric drive system, featuring a 105 kW maximum motor and a 33 kWh battery pack. A joint GM-Magna E-Car Systems team designed and built the Chevrolet Equinox Electric Vehicle (EV) demonstration units, working collaboratively from GM’s Canadian Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ontario, and Magna E-Car System’s facility in Aurora, Ontario.
The demonstration fleet will be monitored closely to determine the amount of real-world range achievable by a vehicle of this size. Magna E-Car Systems led the design and vehicle integration of the propulsion and energy storage systems, with GM Canada providing engineering assistance in designing and validating the solution.
Magna E-Car Systems, a partnership between Magna International and the Stronach Group, is a global supplier of components and systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. Magna E-Car capabilities include design and engineering, manufacturing, vehicle integration and testing. Magna E-Car offers a wide array of products including lithium-ion cells and battery packs; electric drive motors and generators; inverters; converters; onboard chargers; and powertrain control modules.
With a 41 mpg highway rating, the Equinox is a good choice as a crossover electrification test bed. Magna E-Car (Stronach family with factories in 30+ countries) has the R & D and production facilities required. The large 33 Kwh batteries probably come from a third party, with or without a JV with Magna International.
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 November 2011 at 09:44 AM
2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2.4L I4, 16 valves, 182 hp @ 6700 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
22 mpg city / 32 mpg hwy
Posted by: SJC | 29 November 2011 at 07:34 AM