Currently reading: 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 now for £6400 plus VAT

Swindon Powertrain has launched the 'crate' electric motor for low-volume EV conversions that it first announced last year. 

Available to order now, it costs £6400 plus VAT. That price includes the 80kW (107bhp) motor itself plus 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, at 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 ev crate applications 1

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. 

Back to top

Q&A with Raphaël Caillé, 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're a car manufacturer and you want to make 10,000 or 100,000 [electric] vehicles a year, there are plenty of suppliers to talk to. If you want to do an electric vehicle and you're looking at a dozen, a hundred or even a thousand a year, there was 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're in advanced talks with a manufacturer of quadbikes; there are no orders yet, but I'm 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."

How did you manage to make it smaller than the original concept?

"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."

Back to top

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're already working on the next one. But at this moment, it's too early to say what will be launched next. We'll keep working; hopefully in six months' time, we will have another project. "

Read more

Swind E electric classic Mini on sale from £79,000

First drive: Classic Mini Electric driven on UK roads​

We build a lithium-ion car battery​

Join the debate

Comments
9
Add a comment…
sbagnall 27 May 2020

Why wud you want to put a

Why wud you want to put a motor in a crate!!!??! Makes no sence!!
Pietro Cavolonero 29 May 2020

go away...

Learn how to spell, then come back and make a sensible comment.  Nob jockey... 

Ski Kid 27 May 2020

seems way over priced

I would have thought it needs a trade price of under £2k plus vat it is only a modest output plus the batteries are extra.Those quod bikes would be far too costly.

LP in Brighton 27 May 2020

Used alternative?

Alternatively you could purchase a used Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe motor / transmission assembly for around £1000 - £1500. There must be plenty of written off EVs by now with decent electric motors and control systems: after all the motor has essentially just one moving part. Granted this might not be so light and compact as the Swindon Powertrain solution, but the inherent cheapness and reliability of a mass produced part usually beats a bespoke part.