Automotive supplier Magna this week unveiled a brand new piece of hardware for decoupling EV drive motors that the corporate claims can boost range by as much as 9%.
Disconnecting drive motors when their power just isn’t needed reduces energy consumption and drag-torque losses from the motor and its gearbox, Magna said in a press release. That helps boost overall efficiency.
Magna eDecoupling unit
Magna claims its electromechanical eDecoupling device may be easily added to existing EV powertrain designs, interfacing with a vehicle’s powertrain controls and activating in lower than 100 milliseconds. The corporate says the unit is suitable for hybrids in addition to EVs, in vehicles including SUVs and lightweight industrial vehicles.
Production of the eDecoupling unit will happen at Magna’s facility in Lannach, Austria. The unit will launch on “multiple vehicles of a German premium automaker,” based on the corporate.
Magna also serves as contract manufacturer for the Fisker Ocean, nevertheless it’s unclear whether this is similar “unique clutch” that Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker has said is getting used in that EV. Magna has previously claimed, with an indication Jaguar I-Pace (one other vehicle Magna builds under contract), that it may well boost EV range as much as 30% mostly with changes to software and controls.
Magna EtelligentReach
Addressing drag from inactive electric motors could unlock greater EV efficiency.
Everlasting-magnet motors proceed to exert drag on the driveline and may’t truly coast, so that they’re best engaged in regenerative braking. Most of the latest-generation electric motors—similar to those General Motors is using in its Ultium models—have been designed specifically for very low-load conditions that may apply to cruising and coasting. Polestar has also said that its next-generation motors will have the ability to disconnect.
This Article First Appeared At www.greencarreports.com
