In April, Volkswagen unveiled its cutting-edge electric drive unit, known as the APP550, tailored for the rear axle and designed explicitly for its ID range of electric vehicles (EVs).
Leading automotive giant Mahindra and Mahindra is set to power its Thar.e and BE electric vehicle (EV) lineup with Volkswagen’s potent APP550 motor. According to a report from Autocar India, the BE.05, scheduled for launch in 2025, will mark Mahindra and Mahindra’s maiden EV to be equipped with the APP550 electric motor.
Mahindra has seamlessly integrated the APP550 motor into its INGLO platform, positioning this remarkable motor to propel Mahindra’s entire fleet of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), including the highly-anticipated Thar.e, once it enters the production stage.
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 partnership with Volkswagen, offering components from its MEB platform, holds immense potential for Mahindra. It grants the automaker access to the latest technology from a global EV heavyweight. Notably, the APP550 rear-wheel-drive motor is primed for its production debut in the VW ID.7 by year-end.
Details on Volkswagen APP550 Electric Motor:
The APP550 motor boasts an impressive 286 bhp and a maximum torque of 550Nm, marking a significant advancement from its predecessor, which generated 201 bhp and 310 Nm of torque.
The motor’s power output relies heavily on current strength. Volkswagen has employed an enhanced inverter, serving as the powertrain’s control center, capable of providing the high phase currents needed for increased power.
Achieving higher torque output involves an improved stator with an increased number of windings and a larger wire cross-section. Reinforcements have also been made to the electric drive unit to withstand elevated power and torque levels.
Efficient thermal management plays a pivotal role in enhancing the electric drive unit’s efficiency. The APP550 motor operates without an electrically driven oil pump and can independently regulate its temperature through gearbox gear wheels and specialized 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 considering the possibility of localizing production of the APP550 motor in India. Should the combined production volumes of Mahindra EVs and future VW and Skoda EVs (expected to utilize 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 at present remains on nurturing its partnership with Mahindra.
This advanced motor promises to offer class-leading performance and efficiency, providing Mahindra and Mahindra with a substantial competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.