GKN Automotive says the market is “already responding” to EV subsidies as countries look to accelerate the introduction of new mobility as a way to boost economies in a post-pandemic world.
The supplier made its comments one year after the announcement GKN Automotive has more than 1m eAxles on the road, following collaboration with manufacturers to fully integrate eDrive systems into electric and hybrid cars.
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Many countries are significantly ramping up their backing of mobility electrification in a bid to incentivise consumers and infrastructure providers, with the UK government for example, intending to ban all petrol and diesel vehicle production by 2030.
“Germany and China have invested or expanded subsidies of electric car processes,” GKN Automotive ePowertrain president, Dirk Kesselgruber, told just-auto. “This is going up to EUR10,000 (US$12,200), it is huge. We see that in demand [in] our factories. The market is responding to the subsidies.”
Kesselgruber noted infrastructure provision, energy supply and storage evolution remained key areas for EV adoption, but that the automotive sector was only one of numerous others moving towards alternative power sources. “All sectors are being transformed towards CO2 neutrality or reduction,” observed the ePowertrain chief. “Electrification will finally win the race.
“The base business is reliable and we are the partner of choice – electrification is for us an opportunity to grow. We are not fighting against our own decay [concerning internal combustion engines]. For GKN, it was not really important what kind of engine is driving the cars – we use the torque and do magic things with that.
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By GlobalData“The key benefit of GKN is to be future-ready into this new world.”
GKN made its comments, noting its eDrive technologies were being strengthened as 13 more electrified models from ten global brands enter the market, powered by its systems.
The new platforms span four major global automotive manufacturers and range from premium four-wheel drive SUVs to an electric city car.
The technologies on these models include GKN Automotive’s three-in-one eDrive systems. These systems bring together advances in electric motors, transmission, traction inverters, software and controls. The milestone comes one year after the announcement GKN Automotive has more than 1m eAxles on the road.
“This is further evidence our investment, innovation and expertise in eDrive technologies is paying off,” added Kesselgruber.
“Our ambitious plans for eDrive will ensure GKN Automotive plays a leading role in driving the world’s electrified future. Our customers are already benefiting from the efficiencies and innovations GKN Automotive eDrive systems bring and we intend to keep innovating for even better performance.”
The first car using GKN Automotive eDrive technology was put into production more than 20 years ago.
