The German precision motion engineering specialist Wittenstein is expanding into the electric transport market. At the recent Hannover Fair, the company revealed that it is working with a major automotive manufacturer to develop electric drive systems, and unveiled a prototype vehicle drive that integrates a motor, gearhead and control electronics.

Wittenstein claims that the 52kg drive (above) operates with an efficiency of almost 100% and has a power/weight ratio of 2kW/kg. The drive system can deliver 920Nm of torque, and can accelerate a vehicle from 0–200km/h in around six seconds – similar to the performance of a Formula One racing car.

Wittenstein says it wants to become a technology leader in the electromobility market as a manufacturer of high-end mechatronic drives, especially where top performance is essential.