GKN Automotive brings expertise to support Jaguar TCS Racing
GKN Automotive, a global technology company that specialises in developing, building and supplying market-leading driveline systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies, is strengthening its partnership with the Jaguar TCS Racing team by contributing engineering support for the development of the Gen3 Formula E powertrain.
GKN Automotive has a long-running partnership with Jaguar, dating back to 1935 when it supplied driveline technology to the first SS Jaguar saloon. Today, GKN Automotive supplies every Jaguar model on the market with a range of technologies, including high-performance CV jointed sideshafts, propshafts, intelligent all-wheel-drive systems and electronic active differentials.
Strengthening an existing partnership
Alex Davies, Software Engineer at GKN Automotive, will be involved in critical testing and support development of powertrain software ahead of Season 9.
Davies has worked at GKN Automotive’s Abingdon Innovation Centre in the Software & Controls department for two years, having graduated from Queen Mary University of London with an MSc in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
He brings expertise and knowledge to Jaguar TCS Racing to support software control and integration on the powertrain for the team’s next-gen Formula E racing car.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with engineers at one of the best Formula E teams on the grid and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’ve already contributed to some cutting-edge software projects through my work with GKN Automotive and I’m confident my placement will give me opportunities to test ideas and gain invaluable experience working with the Jaguar TCS Racing team. I’m relishing the chance to help Jaguar TCS Racing for next season and applying the knowledge gained when I resume working at the GKN Automotive Innovation Centre,” said Alex Davies.
Driving for efficiency
Jaguar returned to racing in October 2016, becoming the first premium manufacturer to join the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship street racing series. As an official manufacturer team in Formula E, Jaguar Racing designs its own powertrain, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter and rear suspension.
The ninth Formula E season will see the introduction of the Gen3 model, which according to the company will be the world’s most efficient racing car with at least 40% of the energy used within a race produced by regenerative braking. It will be the first formula car with both front and rear powertrains: a new powertrain adds 250kW regen to the front and 350kW regen at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Formula E model.
Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have GKN Automotive's support, as a key partner for us, as we begin development of our Gen3 powertrain. Alex’s software expertise will be invaluable as he supports the Jaguar TCS Racing team as we become familiar with the new technologies and regulations of the Gen3 era. The next-gen cars for season nine will be the most complex, powerful and technologically advanced racing cars that Formula E has seen, so it’s great we can pool together knowledge and expertise with our partners to ensure Jaguar TCS Racing delivers the strongest race package possible. We look forward to welcoming Alex to the team shortly.”
