BorgWarner’s
drive modules simplify the design of future pure electric drives significantly,
and it is predicted that they will continue to do so in the years to come.
While the forerunner – the electric drive module (eDM) – has already entered
serial production, the fully integrated drive module (iDM) featuring specially
developed power electronics is expected to follow as the next logical step.
The
product family is available in three different versions (iDM XS, iDM S, iDM M)
and is easy to integrate either at the front or the rear axle of passenger cars
and light commercial vehicles depending on the architecture and the
application. Alongside pure electric vehicles, BorgWarner’s solution is also
suitable for P4 hybrid vehicles, where the motor is located at the rear axle of
the front-wheel-drive vehicle. The solution integrates highly efficient power
electronics with an advanced transmission system and industry-leading drive
motor technology featuring BorgWarner’s efficient bar wound stator solution to
form a scalable compact package.
“With
the iDM, BorgWarner delivers a product family of highly integrated propulsion
solutions to drive our customers’ hybrid and electric vehicles. At the same time,
we are strengthening our position as the supplier of choice for hybrid and pure
electric propulsion solutions,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General
Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems.
“We
deliver key elements for electric vehicles: the electric motor, the
transmission, the power electronics and the thermal management system. Our
comprehensive portfolio makes us a product leader in clean technology solutions
and a strong partner for automakers worldwide as they move toward a cleaner and
more environmentally friendly future,” he added.
The
latest component of the iDM – the integrated, specially developed power
electronics – allows a small package, low complexity and minimum losses. In
addition, it offers full software functionality with an option for the
high-level control of vehicle dynamics and energy management. The software
architecture meets current market requirements and is easy to adapt to common
platforms like AUTOSAR as well as allowing safety aspects such as ASIL D to be
realized. To handle the increasing volume of data exchange within modern
vehicle systems, BorgWarner’s state-of-the-art power electronics can be used
with a CAN or a CAN FD bus.
In
general, the key benefits of the iDM include its scalable and modular
architecture and the wide range of gear ratios and electric motor sizes
available, making it flexibly adaptable to customer demands. Operating at 250
to 450 volts of direct current (VDC), the iDM has exceptional torque and power
densities ranging from 90 kW to 160 kW and 2,500 Nm to 3,800 Nm. The advanced
transmission technology offers smooth and quiet operation and the patented bar
wound stator motor technology delivers exceptional performance with superior
noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. All components used in the iDM
module are part of BorgWarner’s portfolio of proven technologies and are also
available as stand-alone solutions. BorgWarner continues to drive innovation
and expand its position as a key partner for global OEMs.