Keihin Partners With HORIBA MIRA to Develop Next Generation Electric Vehicle Powertrain Systems

HORIBA MIRA – a world-leader in advanced engineering, research and product testing – has partnered with Japanese Tier 1 Automotive Supplier, Keihin, to develop next-generation electric vehicle technology. 

Nick Fell, Engineering Director – HORIBA MIRA,Tomoya Abe, Chief Operating Officer for R&D Operations – Keihin, Katsuki Ichinose, Senior Executive General Manager for xEV Business Strategy – Keihin, Takeshi Fukushima, Chairman – HORIBA MIRA   

Keihin is developing a range of new system technologies for future E-powertrain vehicles, supported by HORIBA MIRA. HORIBA MIRA has unique expertise in the development of electric powertrains and control systems and will work with Keihin to develop original and compelling EV system product offerings for OEM customers.

The partnership will see Keihin and HORIBA MIRA engage in an engineering programme, with the aim of developing an electric vehicle powertrain system with class leading energy efficiency.

The electric vehicle powertrain will be initially targeted at the Chinese market. China has recently updated their NEV (New Energy Vehicle) points system to reward OEMs for the range their EVs can achieve for each kWH of battery capacity. These regulations will drive the development of EVs that use battery energy and powertrains more efficiently, not just bigger batteries. MIRA China, a subsidiary of HORIBA MIRA, will provide local support to the project.

Keihin’s President, Chitoshi Yokota commented:

“With the increasing demand for electric powertrains, particularly in Japan and China, we are committed to developing cutting-edge technology to help OEMs bring low carbon vehicles on to our roads. With HORIBA MIRA’s expertise in EV engineering and powertrain software, we look forward to developing the next generation of electric vehicle technology.”

HORIBA’s Global Business Lead for Electrification Services, Greg Harris commented

‘We are very pleased to be working with Keihin on the development of ground breaking electric vehicle technology. Keihin is a highly respected Tier 1 supplier both in Japan and globally and HORIBA MIRA is ideally placed to support their new programme, as a Japanese owned business with a strong engineering track record in China.”