GKN Automotive has helped develop a 1,180bhp electric powertrain for the Ariel Hipercar, a new high-performance EV coupe.
Testing of the Hipercar's electric drive units was conducted 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, it said.
The test facility was developed with support and funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), a non-profit organisation that facilitates funding to UK-based research and development projects building low-carbon emission powertrain technologies.
“With the support of the APC, the Hipercar consortium has been able to create an amazing high performance EV sports car,” said Sean Worrall, Senior Product Manager at GKN Automotive.
Simon Saunders, Founder and Director of Ariel, said: “GKN Automotive’s experience and expertise combined with their aptitude for innovation is what got the bespoke test rig designed and built – that resource has been incredibly valuable during this project.”
Philippa Oldham, Stakeholder Engagement Director at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, said: “The unveiling of the Hipercar is a major milestone for a project that is several years in the making. The fact that the businesses involved in this project have gone on to achieve so much is testament to its success in creating highly skilled jobs and returns for the economy.”
The Hipercar made its show debut on the UK Government Pavilion at this year’s Cenex-LCV, where it was recognised as a major success story for innovation in the UK automotive industry.