London eDrive manufacturer launches £3.5m research centre with Newcastle University to help UK meet net-zero targets

GKN Automotive has announced its new Advanced Research Centre created to develop next-generation eDrive systems powering future electrified vehicles and increasing engineering capability in the UK.

GKN Automotive is partnering with the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University to push the boundaries of eDrive technology and accelerate modular innovation. The collaboration will focus on the development of “ultra-high efficiency EDUs” for future electric vehicles.

GKN Automotive’s £3.5m investment in the Advanced Research Centre, which is co-located across three leading engineering facilities, is being partly supported through the £10m Melrose Skills Fund, to increase the automotive electrification knowledge capability and strengthen research and development in the UK.

The project will be virtually shared between the engineering departments at the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University, with research teams at each university operating collaboratively with engineers at the GKN Automotive Innovation Centre.

Gordon Day, managing director, GKN Automotive Innovation Centre, said: “GKN Automotive is a pioneer of advanced eDrive development and this new research partnership will play a key role in strengthening the innovation of electrification technologies for future advanced propulsion systems.

“We are extremely proud that this research will be in partnership with Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham, two renowned and respected global leaders in automotive electrification engineering research.

“Both institutions will also play a leading role in helping us develop a supply of high-calibre engineering talent, which is essential to enable us to put the UK at the forefront of global automotive industry innovation.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →