Sep 21 2009
GKN Driveline will supply the electric drive axle for PSA Peugeot Citroën’s new HYbrid4 technology.
PSA Peugeot Citroën HYbrid4 technology will be launched in 2011 on the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 (displayed at the Frankfurt Motorshow) and on the Citroën DS5 HYbrid4.
The technology, which is at the heart of PSA Peugeot Citroën's low carbon automobile product strategy, combines the fuel economy intrinsic to HDi diesel engines on roads and motorways with an electric drivetrain that is particularly suited to urban driving, and allowing an "all electric" drive mode with zero emissions. The electric drivetrain is provided by the GKN Driveline drive unit
The electric drive axle incorporates GKN Driveline's proprietary disconnect clutch technology which facilitates on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) use and contributes to the overall all-terrain functionality and fuel efficiency of the new PSA Peugeot Citroën system. The HYbrid4 system is fitted with an electric motor with a maximum capacity of 27kW and a maximum torque of 200Nm at the rear. The GKN Driveline drive unit is capable of delivering 1500Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
GKN Driveline has been an early pioneer in electric drive axles. Since 2002, GKN Driveline has produced over 200,000 units for various vehicle manufacturers.
Rob Rickell, global engineering director at GKN Driveline, said: "We are very proud and excited to have been chosen by PSA Peugeot Citroën to participate in the development of its breakthrough HYbrid4 technology, with our first electric drive axle application in Europe. With the industry's heightened focus on fuel efficiency and the environment, there is a growing demand to exploit the long-term potential of electric-drive technology.
“We now see increasing opportunities to work with our customers to share our extensive competence in driveline and electronic torque management systems and to co-develop driveline solutions for tomorrow's generation of vehicles. This is a key pillar of the GKN Driveline brand."