Magna International, Inc. announced the start of production of a modular eDecoupling unit to support multiple battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs for a German premium OEM.

Production of the new eDecoupling unit will be at Magna’s powertrain facility in Lannach, Austria.

A bolt-on stand-alone solution for BEVs, Magna says its electro-magnetic eDecoupling is a “robust, field-proven product technology that is integrated as a complete module.” The eDecoupling is an electromechanical device that disconnects the e-motor from the driveshaft in electric vehicles when propulsion power is not needed, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency, the company says. It contributes to an increased electric driving range of up to nine percent, “a significant benefit for all EVs,” Magana adds.

“Our new and innovative modular eDecoupling unit aligns perfectly with OEMs’ in-house manufacturing strategies for electric drive systems,” said Diba Ilunga, president Magna Powertrain. “Due to the compact design of the unit, we’ve successfully minimized added package space and weight in both axial and radial direction, which has helped ensure that it can be scalable for use across electric and hybrid vehicles from B segment up to SUVs and LCVs.”