Swindon Powertrain launches compact ‘crate’ electric motor

Ultra-compact unit is designed as a cost-effective electrification option for low-volume manufacturers, available to order for £6,409 plus VAT

Swindon Powertrain has launched its 'crate' electric motor designed for low volume EV conversions, first announced last year. 

Available to order now from £6,400 plus VAT, the price includes the 80kW (107bhp) motor itself alongside the transmission and differential. Options for cooling, inverters and even a limited slip differential are available. 

Swindon Powertrain has perfected the formula when moving from concept form to production. It's actually smaller than what was originally proposed - the package is 441mm wide and 384mm long, and the firm claim the highest power/volume ratio of any automotive system. It weighs in at a touch under 50kg. 

The powertrain was being developed in partnership with electric motor manufacturer iNetic and engineering firm Code, with funding coming from the Niche Vehicle Network, a body that supports more than 900 of Britain’s lowest-volume automotive production and engineering companies. 

The unit is described as ‘turnkey’, meaning it's ready for installation straight from the box. Primary intended uses for the new motor include sports cars, classic cars, small commercial vehicles and recreational vehicles such as golf buggies. 

Swindon Powertrain also states that waterproofing options will enable it to be used in compact off-roaders. It claims that as well as operating as a standalone motor, the unit could also be used as the electric component in a hybrid vehicle’s drivetrain. 

Different installation points and two inverter options give the powertrain the flexibility for a variety of uses. Two gear ratios can also be selected as a no-cost option, with Swindon Powertrain's website offering a configurator. 

The firm plans to deliver the first batch of crate motors in August, and will cover the cost of any necessary research and validation processes, which it says will further ease costs for buyers. 

*Q&A with Raph Caille, Swindon Powertrain managing director*

*When did this project become a reality for you?*

"Really we started the design two years ago. We saw an opportunity in the market: if you are a car manufacturer and you want to make 10,000, 100,000 [electric] vehicles a year there are plenty of suppliers to talk to. At this moment in time if you want to do an electric vehicle and you're looking at a dozen, a hundred, even a thousand a year, there is nobody to talk to until now. 

"This is definitely the only EV powertrain that you will be able to buy online from a website,with a credit card, on a one by one basis." 

*Is there a specific application that has been most popular so far?  *

"We are in advanced talks with a manufacturer of quad bikes, there are no orders yet but I am confident they will come. The big push at the moment is the electrification of existing cars, in particular classic cars. So this is where at the moment we have quite a few orders. Private buyers, but it also goes all the way up to well-established companies that convert classic cars."

*You managed to make it smaller than the original concept. How?*

"It happened by going back to a blank sheet of paper. Having gone through the proof of concept phase, being able to re-lay it out made it more compact. We made a special effort to get a good result on that side of things because we have a requirement for the electrification of light goods vehicles, and some of these mean the electric motor has to be installed below the [load bay]."

*Will you supply your own battery packs in future? *

"The battery activity is something we do in house for a few projects, and indeed we've made several prototype batteries. But the battery is very vehicle dependent. So we decided to leave this side for now and focus on the powertrain. Those vehicle manufacturers will usually have a team of people to develop and source battery packs."


*How soon before we see the first production model powered by your electric motor? *

"I think it will take time as it does to develop these things. We've engaged with two major car manufacturers at this moment in time for projects that are lower volume. The interest is in the hundreds."

*Are you working on more powerful (or less powerful) motors?*

"As you can imagine this being a long-term project we are already working on the next one. But at this moment it is too early today what will be launched next. We'll keep working - hopefully in six months time we will have another project. "

*Read more*

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