Magna has shown off its latest electrification solution. Called EtelligentForce, this powertrain is specifically developed for use in pickups and light commercial vehicles. This 4WD-based system is paired with Magna’s eBeam technology to help trucks and commercial vehicles retain their capabilities and not compromise on payload and towing.
“EtelligentForce comes at a pivotal time — particularly in the North American auto industry where pickup trucks are at their height of popularity and one of the last segments to become fully electric,” said Tom Rucker, President of Magna Powertrain. “The beauty of this powerful BEV system is that it delivers the environmental benefits of an electric powertrain while maintaining the capability and utility of conventional 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks. We are excited to be able to share these future-ready solutions with our stakeholders this year.”
Designed for high-payload vehicles, the EtelligentForce will offer up to 14,500 pounds of towing capacity. Between its two electric motors, it can make up to 430 kW, which is around 577 hp. The power is split at 250 kW from the rear eBeam electric motor and 180 kW from the front unit. Magna says that there’s no need for architectural changes to integrate the EtelligentForce into a vehicle and can be customized based on an automaker’s priorities. The eBeam replaces the traditional live rear axle and can accommodate existing suspension and brake systems, avoiding the need to redesign existing truck architectures and simplify the electrification of the truck and commercial vehicle segments.
Since there are fewer moving parts versus a traditional internal combustion powertrain, the EtelligenceForce has lower maintenance costs. Our powertrain electrification capabilities and our deep expertise in the engineering and manufacturing of light truck products are what sets Magna apart when it comes to understanding the truck market,” added Rucker. “EtelligentForce will enable businesses and consumers to put their trucks to work, whether on the construction site or en route to their favorite vacation destination — all while helping to reduce emissions.”
In anticipation of the increase in demand for electrified powertrains, Magna is setting up a new center specifically for battery-electric propulsion systems in its U.S. headquarters in Troy, Michigan. This team will be dedicated specifically to preparing the EtelligentForce solution for its launch in the North American market by 2025.
The EtelligentForce is part of a family of three electrified powertrain solutions offered by Magna. This also includes the EtelligentReach, a battery-electric powertrain specifically for compact to full-size vehicles aimed at maximizing a car’s driving range of a single charge. It employs two electric motors, inverters, and gearboxes, and leverages the latest software to optimize efficiency and driving dynamics. Magna says the EtelligentReach was developed holistically and results in a range increase of 90 miles versus other EVs on the market. The powertrain can also decouple the front electric motor when AWD isn’t needed and uses silicon carbide in the inverter to improve efficiency. Between the two electric motors, the powertrain can make up to 320 kW of 429 hp in Boost mode.
In addition to the EtelligentForce and EtelligentReach, Magna also offers a plug-in hybrid system called Etelligent Eco that it claims can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent. All three powertrain solutions are currently being shown at the 2022 CES Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
