The company already supplies its eAxles to the Porsche 918 Spyder, BMW i8 and Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrids, as well as PSA’s Hybrid4 diesel-electric hybrids, but the new unit is aimed at broadening this to smaller, lower-priced models.

Based on the 918’s hybrid unit, the new eAxle weighs 20.9kg and is designed to be affordable, compact and easier to install in compact cars. It can produce up to 65kW (87bhp), offering extra performance and four-wheel drive capability, but also completely electric driving and CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km for plug-in hybrids, the company said.

As yet, there are no confirmed applications for the new technology. However, this could enable compact crossovers to offer plug-in hybrid drive, as well as suiting smaller hatchbacks.

GKN Automotive president of engineering, Peter Moelgg, said: “With our systems now proven in halo hybrid sports car programmes and premium SUVs, automakers are working with us to launch eAxle technology in a much broader range of vehicles. Innovations by our hardware and software engineers will place the performance and efficiency benefits of plug-ins within the reach of many more motorists.”