General Motors introduces new all-electric drivetrain

MANILA: After announcing its next-generation Ultium batteries in early March, General Motors (GM) introduces the drivetrain to power its future EVs (electric vehicles), the Ultium Drive.

Ultium Drive consists of five interchangeable drive units and three motors that will help the US automaker transition its current portfolio to a fully electric lineup, while providing significant advantages over GM’s previous EVs in performance, scale, speed to market and manufacturing efficiencies.

It combines electric motors and single-speed transmissions to apply power — generated by Ultium battery cells — to the wheels of GM’s upcoming electric vehicles.

GM claims that the Ultium Drive will be more responsive than its internal combustion equivalents with precision torque control of its motors for smooth performance.

“GM has built transmissions for many notable automakers. Making motors, transmissions, driveline components and systems are among GM’s best-known competencies, and our manufacturing expertise is proving not only transferable but advantageous as we make the transition to EVs,” said GM Vice President for  Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs Ken Morris,.

Using 25 years of EV experience allowed GM to make Ultium Drive lighter and more efficient designs that feature clever integration. For example, by integrating the power electronics into the drive units’ assemblies, the mass of the power electronics has been reduced by nearly 50% from GM’s previous EV generation, saving cost and packaging space while increasing capability by 25%.

The GM Ultium Drive family covers front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive propulsion combinations, including high-performance and off-road capabilities. All five drive units are expected to be powered by one or more of three motors including a primary front-wheel drive motor, which can be configured for front- or rear-wheel drive, and an all-wheel drive assist motor.

“As with other propulsion systems that are complex, capital-intensive and contain a great deal of intellectual property, we’re always better off making them ourselves. GM’s full lineup of EVs should benefit from the simultaneous engineering of Ultium Drive. Our commitment to increased vertical integration is expected to bring additional cost efficiency to the performance equation,” said GM Executive Chief Engineer for Global Electrical Propulsion Adam Kwiatkowski.

Photos from General Motors

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