- GKN Automotive, Jaguar Racing’s official eDrive partner, is developing advanced cooling technologies to improve system efficiencies
- Cooling gains bring both an energy advantage at the track and will lead to even greater efficiencies for next generation eDrive systems on the road
- Close collaboration between these two partners pushes technology to its limits on the racetrack, accelerating innovation
London, UK, 12 August 2021: Jaguar Racing is using GKN Automotive’s expertise to develop advanced powertrain cooling technologies for both the inverter and electric motor, in pursuit of enhanced system efficiencies.
In a championship centred around efficiency, there is a real need to preserve energy to get to the finish line. Smaller, lighter, more powerful eDrive systems are key to improving lap time performance. It is better directed, efficient, advanced cooling that keeps component temperature in control and protects the crucial system efficiency, giving drivers an energy advantage by the end of the race.
This ability to have smaller, lighter eDrive systems is not just essential for progression on the racetrack but also on the road – but the same issues as in the race car apply, meaning cooling technology is essential. Advanced cooling on future road vehicles will lead to increased range and enhanced performance for EV drivers, with efficiencies that can reduce weight and cost.
Dr Dirk Kesselgruber, President ePowertrain, GKN Automotive, said: “At GKN Automotive, we pioneered electric drive systems and are now using our expertise both on and off track to drive the future of transportation. Our team at the Innovation Centre in Abingdon, UK, works in close collaboration with Jaguar Racing’s engineers to find these cooling gains, which bring both an energy advantage at the track and an affordable, uncompromised eDrive for the road.”
James Barclay, Team Principal, Jaguar Racing, added: “Efficiency really is key to performing on track in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The knowledge and capabilities GKN Automotive has provided to our team have been crucial to keeping system efficiency high and aiding energy management. Ultimately, advanced cooling technology helps win races.”
This cooling technology is just one element of GKN Automotive’s ongoing partnership with Jaguar Racing. The global leader in drive systems also collaborated with Jaguar Racing to help develop the electric powertrain for the I-TYPE 5 and will be embedding software specialists within the team. GKN Automotive has been a partner of the British race team since 2017, working closely with the team within the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to push technology to its limits on the racetrack, thereby accelerating innovation.