At Vitesco Technologies, a leading international supplier of cutting-edge drive system technologies and electrification solutions, the success story of the integrated electric axle drive system continues. Two electric cars fitted with a motor and power electronics from Vitesco Technologies have now each been presented with a prestigious award. The new Opel Corsa-e won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” in the small cars category. While back in October, the Peugeot e-208 – which features the same electric drive system – was named “Britain’s Best Electric Car 2020”.
Both juries explained that the drive system and therefore the driving characteristics of the cars played a decisive role in their decision.
“We share our customers’ joy in receiving these renowned awards and are proud to have made a contribution to their success with our products,” said Andreas Wolf, CEO Vitesco Technologies. “This is further evidence that we are following the right strategy.”
The Golden Steering Wheel – presented by the publications Bild, Auto Bild, Auto Week and Auto Express – has been a regular feature of the awards calendar since 1976. The jury praised the Corsa-e, saying that “as well as its quality and comfort, the drive system is particularly impressive.” The 14 judges – including racing drivers Hans-Joachim Stuck, Daniel Abt and Joachim Winkelhock – found the Corsa-e to be “agile, quiet and the clear number one for power delivery.” The electric axle drive system has therefore made a successful market impact in what, according to figures from Opel, is Germany’s biggest-selling small car over the past three months.
Back in October, the Peugeot e-208 featuring the same electric drive system, was named Britain’s Best Electric Car 2020. This was the latest edition of an award presented over many years by the editors of Autocar, whose publisher describes it as one of the world’s oldest motoring magazines. The jury cited driving fun as one of the reasons the e-208 was victorious: “It looks great, performs strongly, is fun to drive and is well priced for an EV, plus it has enough range to quell anxiety,” they summed up.
“The recognition from experienced juries earned by the two popular small cars shows us above all that the axle drive from Vitesco Technologies not only delivers exceptional driving fun, it also helps to make electric driving affordable,” says Thomas Stierle, Executive Vice President Electrification Technology at Vitesco Technologies.
Best in class for power density, size and weight
The electric axle drive, which integrates the motor and inverter in both models, is offered with outputs from 100 to 150 kW. The more powerful variant of the new system – developing 150 kW and maximum torque of 310 Nm – is comparable with a conventional 2-liter turbodiesel engine. That means the e-drive posts best-in-class figures for power density, size and weight.
Vitesco Technologies offers complete electrification systems from a single source. The company’s portfolio ranges from 48-volt electrification technologies and key components for hybrid drives to full drive systems for electric vehicles.
