The Volkswagen group has spent a few years with electric cars made on an exclusive platform. Starting from the ID family, the propulsion technology has been carried over to other Audi, Cupra and Skoda models. The upcoming models, in the case of the Volkswagen ID.7 or the Cupra Tavascan –both confirmed for 2024– bring with them a new generation of electric drives, such as the new unit of APP550 rear drive.
Thanks to this engine, the new electric models of the group offer more performance and greater efficiency. Volkswagen plans to deliver the first vehicles with the new generation of powertrains in a version of 210 kW (286 PS) starting at the end of the year. They are manufactured at the Group’s component plant in Kassel (Germany).
New vehicles continue to be developed on the Modular Electric Drive Platform (MEB), Volkswagen’s vehicle architecture for electric cars. This forces that this more powerful and efficient propellant had to be done in the same space. A great challenge, which has also achieved another milestone: reducing the use of raw materials. Let’s go now with the details:
More power and torque
The new propulsion system offers a power of 210 kW (286 PS) with a maximum pair of ones 550Nm. This last figure guarantees superior power development, both from a standstill and at higher speeds. Compared to the current one, which we have known in the Volkswagen ID.4 test, among others, it gains a lot of power (150 kW –204 CV–, currently)
The APP550 propeller achieves its high torque thanks to an improved stator with a higher effective number of coils and a larger cross section of the wires. The rotor is equipped with a more powerful permanent magnet that has a higher load capacity. The drive has also been strengthened to withstand the considerable torque produced.
inverter with high current
Current intensity is key to the power of an electric drive. That is why an inverter capable of supplying it had to be developed. It is a kind of control “brain” of the propulsion system, with software that guarantees the efficiency of the processes, such as frequency variations and modulation methods for the generation of the alternating current with which the drive motor works. electric. Thus, the motor can work more efficiently depending on the load phase.
Optimized thermal management
The APP550 thruster comes with a energy efficient refrigeration which works without electric oil pump. The system is capable of cooling itself through gearbox gears and specially designed components for oil supply and distribution. The heated oil is cooled by the vehicle’s coolant circuit, which keeps the transmission at optimum operating temperature. The exterior of the stator features a water heat sink.
Source: Volkswagen
