Magna working on an OEM electric conversion kit for ICE trucks

Magna International is busy designing a multi-component system that would enable car manufacturers to switch their combustion engine trucks to electric power straight at the factory at a minimal cost.

The system is called EtelligentForce and eliminates the need to redesign the entire suspension and braking system of the truck being converted. According to the company CEO, Seetarama ‘Swamy’ Kotagiri, Magna plans to supply the product to all companies lacking their own electric pickups.

The proposed powertrain consists of two electric motors mounted one per axle. Their respective maximum outputs are 228 PS (225 hp / 168 kW) front and 335 PS (330 hp / 246 kW). The electric torque can reach as high as 3,770 Nm (2,781 lb-ft) and 10,000 Nm (7,376 lb-ft), respectively. Magna includes dedicated parts in the kit needed to replace the OEM axles.

It is claimed that upgrading pickup trucks like this costs much less than having to design an all-electric vehicle from scratch. The system is flexible enough to warrant its use on light passenger cars, too, as well as in other existing EV platforms. Aside from pickups, it is best suited to SUVs and LCVs.

Magna did not mention any particular companies being interested in the idea. The GMC Sierra 2500HD pictured here was its first viable conversion.