EPIC (Electric Powertrain Integration for heavy Commercial vehicles) Project

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Project EPIC is an industrial manufacturing project developing a next-generation integrated electric powertrain (IEPT) for commercial vehicles up to 44 tonne GVW. The consortium comprises Meritor, Danfoss, and Electra. Meritor leads in global axle and drive system engineering, Danfoss develops advanced electric motors, and Electra specialises in electric vehicle integration.The IEPT product will consist of a single motor with an integrated SiC inverter, integral multispeed gearbox and differential, and foundation brakes optimised for regenerative braking. The powertrain will typically suit 4x2 or 6x2 commercial vehicle configurations but other configurations including off-highway, construction and vocational vehicles are also supported.Drive systems exist today with remote mount motors but still rely on drivelines and traditional axles. Existing eAxles rely on two motors to achieve the required torque and power, which adds cost and complexity. The EPIC solution eliminates the driveline and need for multiple motors. Shorter wheelbase EU trucks are especially unable to utilise the area between the frame rails due to the driveline presence, which limits battery storage thereby limiting the vehicle range. With this novel powertrain, the space becomes accessible.The powertrain will share the same chassis mounting as existing axles allowing for easy vehicle application, while its fully integrated nature offers further benefits over remote mount solution including:* Increased storage for batteries and/or hydrogen between frame rails* Approximately 363 kg weight savings* Smaller packaging envelope* High modularity for wide application coverage* Increased range and/or payload* Greater overall efficiencyWe project to eliminating 4.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2025\. The high efficiency, and reduced weight and space of the powertrain will improve range and/or payload and therefore potentially improving CO2 reduction in a highly criticised sector. The extensive benefits of this new powertrain will equally provide accelerated adoption of battery-electric, fuel cell, and range-extended hybrid commercial vehicles.To deliver the project, Meritor will create a Centre of Excellence in Cwmbran with expanded testing facilities and R&D team. Danfoss will develop and assemble motors with integrated inverters at a Low- Carbon Innovation Centre near Edinburgh. Electra will assemble vehicles with plans to complete durability and field running at U.K. test tracks and on public roads. The vehicles will also be used to demonstrate the technology to major global vehicle manufacturers, fleets, and other potential end users.The total U.K. project expenditure of £82m is projected to create 189 jobs in the U.K. while safeguarding approximately 500\.