IE Drives

IE Drives, USA, is a Leader in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Development. For over two decades, IE Drives and its team have accumulated extensive experience in the development of drivetrains and drivetrain balance for factory components supporting electric and hybrid-electric series vehicles. IE Drives personnel have participated in multiple programs for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers and DOE (Department of Energy) initiatives. Programs such as PNGV (Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles) and FreedomCAR, in which IE Drives was involved, have led to extensive activities in support of fuel cell power plants.

IE Drives personnel have contributed to numerous new drivetrain development projects, including defining, building, and analyzing many specialized and one-off vehicles. One of the most notable projects was the initial design and manufacturing of the original Proterra electric bus.

At the core of our transmission technology is a result of over 30 years of continuous NASCAR racing development by one of our primary transmission suppliers. NASCAR’s transmission performance requirements demand absolute reliability, rock-solid durability, and minimal efficiency losses. Through a joint development effort, IE Drives and G-Force have adapted this industry-leading NASCAR 4-speed transmission technology to meet the unique and demanding requirements of high-speed and high-torque electric motor drives. IE Drives’ multi-speed Electric Vehicle Transmissions (EVTs) are fully automated manual transmissions (AMTs). All IE Drives multi-speed EVTs are specifically designed for integration with and control by the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). These AMTs are not intended for manual shifting or manual shift commands without VCU assistance. Our EVT series of heavy-duty transmissions is specifically designed for high-speed or high-torque electric motors powering medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. These transmissions use a 12 VDC power supply for electric shifting.

Our multi-speed transmissions are fully controlled via a half-bridge on the primary Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). This feature allows system integrators to avoid the added cost and complexity of a separate slave Transmission Control Unit (TCU). All our AMTs are integrated with 100% position feedback capability to the VCU, ensuring a 100% positive shift. Additionally, our AMTs and single fixed reduction EVTs typically utilize heavy-duty, wide-face, ground helical gear sets to provide maximum efficiency, extended durability, and exceptionally low noise levels.

For collaboration inquiries, please contact the CSP Secretariat at CSP@icet.org.cn.