Electric Crate Motors: The Future of Engine Swaps
Do you wonder what would happen to all the gas-powered vehicles when the world embraces electrification on a mass scale? Here’s what you need to know.
Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced its Build Back Better initiative that laid down policies to support green cars and trucks. Safe to say, such plans often face a lot of resistance, but companies like EV West are working hard to help consumers adopt electric-only mobility. EV West manufactures battery-only powertrains, and much like Chevrolet’s eCrate package, customers can swap their IC engines with these products and make the switch to all-electric propulsion. These electric crate motors also help silence naysayers.
Why do we need electric crate motors?
We recently reported that Toyota is trying to use its influence in Washington to slow down EV adoption. A spokesperson for the Japanese automaker claimed that since a vast majority of vehicles on road are powered by internal combustion engines, a sudden switch to all-electric mobility will not be cost-effective. With the help of these crate motors, automakers will not have to make drastic changes to their vehicle platforms. This is also why back in 2020, publications like Motor Trend hailed electric crate motor as the future replacement for the small-block V8 when EV West introduced its Revolt Tesla crate motor kit.
What are the different electric crate motor applications?
Like the Revolt Kit, EV West offers a range of products that simply bolt into General Motors’ small block V8 factory mounts. This allows customers to retain the original rear axle. The kit also includes an inline gear reduction and a universal joint that attaches to the driveshaft, making the installation much easier. The company sells its control units and batteries separately. EV West’s Revolt systems electric motor is capable of producing 533 HP of power and 800 lb-ft of torque. Late last year, Chevrolet demonstrated the potential of its eCrate package by installing a 200 HP version of the all-electric powertrain in a K5 Blazer. The Golden Bow Tie brand also confirmed that it is developing more powerful eCrate versions.
What does the future hold for electric crate motors?
More recently, Canadian mobility technology company, Magna International unveiled its proprietary eBeam technology at CES 2021. This tech is a drop-in substitute for traditional beam axles and is available in versions that can produce anywhere from 161 HP to 335 HP of maximum power. The company announced record sales earlier this month, which more than doubled in Q2 2021 at $9.0 billion. The manufacturer is already working with customers and will be demonstrating different applications of its technology later this year.
Image Source: Revolt Systems