- June 19, 2019
As of mid-June NIO has started series deliveries of ES6 all-electric SUV, featuring an EV gearbox by Weibang (joint venture between Punch Powertrain and XPT). The gearbox is highly modular and flexible in terms of applicability, aiming to suit a broad range of vehicles. ES6 launch marks the milestone of first series production for Weibang.
NIO ES6 – First vehicles delivered
On May 28, the first ES6 festively rolled off the production line, witnessed by representatives of 300 partner companies, including Weibang. After pre-order deliveries started in mid-June, in the meantime the first vehicles are delivered to customers in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
ES6 is the second all-electric five-seat SUV by NIO. The vehicle is available in standard (320 kW) and performance (400 kW) versions, which both can be combined with either a 70 or a 84 kWh battery variant, resulting in a driving range between 410 and 510 kilometers. These demanding specifications are perfectly matched by the highly modular gearbox.
Widely applicable, modular gearbox
The single speed EV gearbox, installed in the vehicle, is developed by XPT and industrialized by the Weibang JV. The gearbox is designed for flexible integration with various e-motors. It can be positioned in front, rear or all-wheel drive vehicles, either in forward or backward facing fashion, using the same design. This set-up results in symmetric drive/brake capabilities and uncompromised brake energy recovery, further maximizing the EV driving range. The counterpart of this gearbox under the Punch Powertrain brand is the ET2, which is standardly available for electric motor power of 100 and 160 kW and a gear ratio around 1:10.
JV kicks-off serial production
Punch Powertrain and XPT have created the Weibang JV on May 5, 2018, with the purpose of supplying Electric Propulsion Systems to customers of both partners. Within one year of its foundation, the JV has completed a state-of-the-art production facility, that can accommodate two production lines. After successful deliveries of 300 test samples earlier this year, the launch of NIO ES6 marks Weibang’s first customer to launch in series production.
For Punch Powertrain this launch also represents an entry on the Chinese EV market, a market in which the company previously established a firm reputation with its CVTs.
