Xtrac showcasing P1316 e-axle, developed for FIA World Rallycross
10 January 2020
Transmission technology specialist Xtrac is showcasing its new P1316 e-axle developed for the first electric-powered cars to compete in the 2021 to 2024 FIA World Rallycross Championship at Autosport International in the UK.
P1316 E-World Rally Cross Transmission
Xtrac's P1316 e-axle, developed for cars competing in the FIA World Rallycross Championship from 2021 onwards, underscores the company’s distinctive range of integrated lightweight electric vehicle (ILEV) transmissions. Xtrac will supply the e-axle to Austrian company Kreisel, which the FIA has selected as the supplier for the phased introduction of a battery-powered propulsion system into this major race series with Kreisel responsible for the state-of-the-art motors, inverters and battery.
Each 4WD vehicle includes two single-motor e-axles: one for the front axle and one for the rear.
Xtrac’s latest addition to its ILEV range complements technical advancements in its highly efficient and lightweight Formula E transmission systems. The P1316 e-axle has an overall ratio of 7.90:1 and is suitable for use with motors with a power rating of 250kW and an input speed up to 15,000 rpm.
Lubrication is by an internal eccentric rotor pump with pressure feed to all critical areas, a semi-dry-sump oil pickup to minimize churning losses and optimize overall gearbox efficiency, with the option to fit an externally mounted oil cooler.
The differential is a multi-plate ramp type limited-slip differential with adjustable pre-load which, as an option, can be adjusted externally. Output flanges are explicitly designed for the application, meaning that the driveshaft length can be optimized for each vehicle type if required.
Weight of the P1316 e-axle is a class-leading 21kg (dependent on specification) due to the use of Xtrac’s own ultra-high specification XM023 material for the highly loaded and weight-optimized components.
Although its initial application is for battery-powered rallycross vehicles, Xtrac has designed the gearbox to be suitable for circuit racing as well as electric touring cars.
"Xtrac will supply the e-axle to Austrian company Kreisel, which the FIA has selected as the supplier for the phased introduction of a battery-powered propulsion system into this major race series"
Also, Kreisel will be the sole supplier of the electrifying kit, developing 500 kW (680hp), this includes a 52.65kWh battery with an innovative cooling system, two 250kW motors (for each axle) and two inverters.
The current 2019 rules allow 380 hp and a 1190 kg vehicle weight. So this should be a significant boost in power. For comparison purposes, the VW ID.R which set the record at Nurburgring and Pike's Peak also had a similar setup (2 e-motors, 1 per axle, and 500 kW). It weighed less than 1100 kg, so these WRC cars will be just a little slower.
It would be great to see VW, i.e. Audi return. Citroen is dropping out of WRC, but since the Peugeot Group is now combined with FCA, maybe Lancia will reappear (my favorite WRC car of all).
Posted by: gryf | 10 January 2020 at 10:14 AM