Magna offers truckmakers a simpler way to go electric

Magna International expects its upcoming battery-electric powertrain system for pickups to help truck customers avoid costly platform redesigns as they look to electrify their lineups by accommodating existing suspension and brake systems.

Magna aims to roll out its EtelligentForce powertrain system to the North American market in 2025, the company said last week. The four-wheel-drive powertrain is designed for pickups and commercial vehicles and would enable towing of up to 14,500 pounds, according to the company.

The system uses an electrified beam axle at the rear of the vehicle that replaces traditional beam axles, "avoiding the need for expensive redesign of existing truck platforms," the company said in a statement.

The system could help automakers "simplify the transition" to electric pickups, Magna said.

"EtelligentForce comes at a pivotal time — particularly in the North American auto industry where pickup trucks are at their height of popularity and one of the last segments to become fully electric," Magna Powertrain President Tom Rucker said in a statement last week.

The announcement comes as automakers including Ford Motor Co. and General Motors prepare to market electric versions of their top-selling, high-margin pickups, and as new trucks are planned from electric vehicle makers such as Tesla and Rivian.

Magna will set up an EV center at its U.S. headquarters in Troy, Mich., to house a team dedicated to preparing the powertrain for its 2025 launch, in addition to supporting other EV products.

Magna's announcement came last week on the day it was to deliver a press conference at CES. The company withdrew from the Las Vegas show late last month amid rising COVID-19 cases stemming from the omicron coronavirus variant.