General Motors recently unveiled the all-new, all-electric 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, expanding GM’s electric truck portfolio alongside the previously released GMC Hummer EV. Now, Canadian-based mobility company Magna International has unveiled a new battery electric powertrain upgrade designed for pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles.
Interestingly, Magna included an image of a GMC Sierra HD equipped with the new system. As a reminder, General Motors has its own proprietary EV technologies and pickup truck platforms, including the Ultium battery technology, the Ultium drive motor technology, and the BT1 body-on-frame EV architecture. However, the new Magna system may provide a solution for those truck and light commercial vehicle owners interested in retrofitting their internal-combustion vehicle for all-electric power.
The new Magna system is dubbed the EtelligentForce BEV Powertrain Solution, and features a battery-powered four-wheel drive system for motivation. The system is designed to maintain the full capabilities of the original vehicle, including payload and towing capacities.
The technical specs of the system include something Magna calls the eDS Mid+ drive system in front, and the eDS eBeam in back. The eBeam is described as a direct replacement for the rear beam axle on pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles, integrating with existing braking and suspension components, and incorporating an electronic locking differential as well.
Both the eDS Mid+ drive system and the eDS eBeam feature the company’s next-generation eDrive tech. The system also incorporates new powertrain controls and software to keep it all running as expected. As for capability, the company claims that the system can tow up to 14,500 pounds.
The EtelligentForce BEV Powertrain Solution system for pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles will launch in 2025. Magna is now establishing a new EV center at its U.S. headquarters in Michigan, where a specialized team will prepare the EtelligentForce BEV Powertrain Solution for launch.
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Comments
This would eliminate the need of a long driveshaft. However, the safety aspect of this EV conversion irks me. For one, where do the battery packs go? How much weight does it add to the truck. If it’s +2-3k lbs, then the truck will need new suspension components to handle the extra payload, not only that; the frame itself may not be able to handle the weight. As a hybrid it’s feasible, add the battery pack to the bed, let it run EV, when the battery is out turn on the ICE
I’m looking at the diagram of the truck shown in the above photo and it appears that the Battery Pack would be directly in front of the Rear Axle.
These systems are coming. Automakers will abandon the development of hybrids but will buy systems like this from outside mfgs due to lower volumes.
Malhe is also looking to build a similar system. These will be for farms, industry, remote regions and extreme cold regions.
These vendors can make these systems cheaper with pared engines of their own making.