GKN Automotive carried out testing of the Ariel Hipercar's electric drive unit at the company's Abingdon Innovation Centre on a bespoke test rig capable of fully replicating extreme on-car demands and dynamics, including simulated laps of a racetrack.
The world-leading test facility was developed with support and funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation that facilitates funding to U.K.-based research and development projects developing low-carbon emission powertrain technologies.
GKN Automotive developed a new test facility to gain control of the immensely powerful Hipercar's motors under different conditions The extreme performance of the Ariel Hipercar required fresh thinking from GKN Automotive, a drive systems supplier with expertise in both ePowertrain and Driveline products, to develop a test facility capable of comfortably retaining control over the drive motors under road and racing simulations.
The ability to accurately and thoroughly test advanced powertrains with extreme power outputs enables GKN Automotive engineers to meet the most exact standards and ensure maximum efficiency.
Ariel's electric supercar features four EDUs, one to power each wheel. Individually, they contribute 295bhp, giving the Hipercar a total power output of 1,180bhp. The four-wheel drive version of the car is expected to complete zero to 100km/h in below two seconds, with zero to 160km/h possible in 4.4 seconds.
The world-leading test facility was developed with support and funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation that facilitates funding to U.K.-based research and development projects developing low-carbon emission powertrain technologies.
The ability to accurately and thoroughly test advanced powertrains with extreme power outputs enables GKN Automotive engineers to meet the most exact standards and ensure maximum efficiency.
Ariel's electric supercar features four EDUs, one to power each wheel. Individually, they contribute 295bhp, giving the Hipercar a total power output of 1,180bhp. The four-wheel drive version of the car is expected to complete zero to 100km/h in below two seconds, with zero to 160km/h possible in 4.4 seconds.
