GKN’s product line-up includes the eAxle, an rear-drive electric motor and transmission setup that adds electric drive to the car’s conventionally powered front wheels, and three customisable eTransmissions for full electric vehicles.

It said it had supplied over 250,000 of its eAxles to Nissan and Mazda over the last decade, and PSA Peugeot Citroen has recently started using it for the Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 508 and Citroen DS5 HYbrid4 models.

The eTransmissions, meanwhile, are designed to be adaptable for all sizes and types of vehicle. GKN said only two gears need to be changed to set the units up for different speeds and power levels.

Dr. Ray Kuczera, vice president of engineering for GKN Driveline Americas, said: ‘Interest is especially high among vehicle manufacturers hoping to convert an existing front-wheel-drive platform to an all-wheel-drive hybrid program. This type of conversion has the potential to increase fuel economy by up to 35%.

‘We are currently developing eTransmissions for 15 different projects and have confirmed eTransmission orders for electric vehicles in Europe, Asia and North America.’

GKN Recently acquired 21% of Surrey-based EVO Electric, a manufacturer of electric drivetrains. The joint venture formed a new company, named GKN EVO eDrive Systems, aimed at developing more powerful, efficient and cost-effective units based on EVO Electric's axial flux electric motors.