In April, Volkswagen had unveiled its cutting-edge electric drive unit, known as the APP550, designed for the rear axle, specifically for its ID range of EVs.
Leading automaker Mahindra and Mahindra is going to power its Thar.e and BE range of electric vehicles (EVs) with Volkswagen’s APP550 motor. According to an Autocar India report, BE.05, which is scheduled to be launched in 2025, will be the first EV from Mahindra and Mahindra to be powered by an APP550 electric motor.
Mahindra has taken the APP550 motor and integrated it into its INGLO platform. This remarkable motor is set to power Mahindra’s entire lineup of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), including the much-anticipated Thar.e, once it enters production stage, the report added.
In April, Volkswagen had unveiled its cutting-edge electric drive unit, known as the APP550, designed for the rear axle, specifically for its ID range of EVs.
This collaboration with Volkswagen, which provides components from its MEB platform, could be a game-changer for Mahindra. It grants the automaker access to the latest technology from a global EV heavyweight. Notably, the APP550 rear-wheel-drive motor is set to make its production debut in the VW ID.7 by the end of this year.
Volkswagen APP550 Electric Motor: Details
It delivers an impressive 286 bhp and a maximum torque of 550Nm. This marks a significant advancement from the previous motor, which produced 201 bhp and 310 Nm of torque.
The electric motor’s power output relies significantly on current strength. Volkswagen employed an enhanced inverter, functioning as the powertrain’s control centre, capable of supplying the high phase currents necessary for increased power.
Achieving higher torque output involves an improved stator with an increased number of windings and a larger wire cross-section. Reinforcements were also made to the electric drive unit to withstand the elevated power and torque levels.
Effective thermal management is pivotal for enhancing the efficiency of an electric drive unit. The APP550 motor operates without an electrically driven oil pump and can independently regulate its temperature through gearbox gear wheels and specialised components for oil supply and distribution. The heated oil is cooled through the vehicle’s coolant circuit, ensuring the drive maintains its optimal operating temperature. The stator’s exterior is equipped with a water heat sink.
Volkswagen is contemplating the possibility of localising the APP550 motor in India. If the combined production volumes of Mahindra EVs and future VW and Skoda EVs (expected to utilise the same motor) prove substantial, Volkswagen may explore local production. While Volkswagen has expressed openness to supply the same motor to other automakers in India, the primary focus presently remains on nurturing its partnership with Mahindra, the report added.
This advanced motor promises to offer class-leading performance and efficiency, delivering a substantial competitive edge to Mahindra and Mahindra in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
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