Your 2020 Build Could Use A Super-Compact 107bhp EV ‘Crate Motor’
A British engineering company has revealed a 107bhp ‘turn-key’ electric motor that could easily be slotted into a compact project car.
Swindon Powertrain, which recently engineered an electric version of the classic Mini under the name Swind, is developing that power unit further to open it up to niche manufacturers, EV conversion specialists and, shortly afterwards, even the likes of us.
The ready-to-roll High Power Density (HPD) motor assembly weighs just 70kg – 27kg lighter than a three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost even without fluids in it – and measures a dinky 60cm wide by 44cm long and 28cm tall, meaning cars thus equipped will benefit not just from light weight but also a low centre of gravity.
Swindon has initially developed the crate motor to be an easy and ready-made solution for everything from electric delivery vans to lightweight Caterham-style kit cars. Its diddy size means it can fit under a bonnet, beneath a load bay or right behind a pair of seats. It can even slot into many designs of ATV. Individuals will be able to buy their own crate soon after it’s made available to companies.
Contained within the compact HPD shell is the motor itself, a single-speed transmission and a cooling system. You don’t get batteries as different manufacturers and converters will have wildly different needs in terms of space, size and capacity, but as long as 107bhp and the accompanying slug of torque are enough, the motor unit itself is versatile enough to fit almost any needs.
It will be designed with ‘multiple mounting points’ for options when installing it, and there are additional waterproofing options to ensure that it can be used in serious off-road applications. Testing and validation are under way with production scheduled for June 2020. What would you slot it into first?
Comments
hybrid phil confirmed
Any ideas as to what voltage and current the inverter is rated to? Also assume it’s just CAN comms with the Powertrain ECU?
That engine would go good in my Celica… Unfortunately, battery tech isn’t quite keeping up with motor tech for this to be viable for a lot of people.
Im going to get shot for this but…. i’d happily hybrid’ise my FD if i ever had the money. Having driven hybrid cars i see the benefit of electric support motors and the extra torque would be handy to fill in the gap for turbo lag.
One of the very few good things to come out of Swindon!
Its still to big for what i wanna make a Supercharger Windsor V8 Ford Sierra with electric motor for better launches
Ngl, an electric Caterham is something I’d invest in… 😂
And I suppose they suggest also that individuals design and make their own high-voltage battery? Hardly turn key! For something as heavy as a small car, to have a reasonable range, I expect the battery will weigh close to 100 kg making the weight benefit compared to the ecoboost null and void. Sorry but I’m not convinced…
Autozam AZ1 please!
Poderra Automotive the time has come my child…