Project MILES
MILES is a research project led by Contract Innovation working in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and part funded by the Department for Transport through Innovate UK.
Utilising high speed electric machines and Contract Innovation’s, patent applied for transmission configuration, this project will create a new eAxle design suitable for use in large vehicle applications with gross vehicle weights above 26 tonnes.
High performance
Acceleration, gradeability, and maximum speed can match or exceed the existing ICE performance whilst operating 100% electrically with zero emissions.
Best-in-class efficiency, cost, weight and package attributes
The driveline configuration significantly increases part load, low and high speed efficiency providing operators with a vehicle performance which is robust to varying usage patterns including payload and drivecycle effects.
Cost and weight benefits are achieved through the novel powerflow which facilitates higher electric machine speeds without adding the complexity or torque transfer losses of traditional layouts. Higher electric machine speeds increase power density and reduce expensive material content including rare earths and copper.
The eAxle concept occupies the same space as the traditional driveline (axles, differentials and propshafts). This releases vehicle interior space previously occupied by the ICE powertrain for larger batteries, hydrogen storage capacity, greater weapons capacity, occupant capacity or to present a reduced profile.
Flexible configuration for many applications
The core technology is suitable for installation as a chassis mounted central drive unit and as an eAxle in live axle and independent suspension vehicles. Further variants in development include tandem and tridem solutions, and variants with integrated and lockable transfer case and inter-axle differentials.
Team Members Include:
Contract Innovation
Andrew Harrison
Dr Sam Fraser
Duncan Hennion
Dr Mark Tucker
Dr Nick Rivara
Jenny Harrison
University of Nottingham
Dr Gaurang Vakil
Dr Adam Walker
Prof Chris Gerada
Dr Ramkumar Ramanathan
Dr Mohammad Ilkani
Dr Shahjahan Syed
Dr Rebecca Burns
