Milestone Moments: AAM’s Electric Drive Unit and the Jaguar I-PACE

Published on February 17, 2025

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AAM electrified the automotive industry with its pioneering e-AAM Hybrid and Electric Driveline™ systems, taking performance and innovation to new heights. AAM formed e-AAM Driveline Systems to engineer, develop and commercialize electric all-wheel drive and hybrid driveline systems for passenger cars and crossover vehicles. The advanced electric drive unit (EDU) developed through this initiative not only powered the award-winning Jaguar I-PACE but also stood as a testament to AAM's capabilities in high-performance electric mobility.

Manufactured at the company’s Świdnica Manufacturing Facility in Poland in 2018, this EDU marked a bold leap for AAM into the world of electrification, proving it could compete at the top of the automotive manufacturing food chain. Delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, AAM’s drive unit propels the Jaguar I-PACE from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds. With two compact, independently controlled electric drive units—each powered by permanent magnet motors—the system maximizes power output while conserving space and enhancing the vehicle's low center of gravity for unmatched control, stability and safety.

In creating this state-of-the-art unit, #TeamAAM worked closely with component and subject experts from product engineering teams across AAM, collaborating on everything from intricate motor details to the overall system architecture. The EDU’s development showcased AAM's technical depth, and its success with the I-PACE platform opened doors for new supplier partnerships and advanced technology initiatives.

As one of the first premium EVs to enter the market, the Jaguar I-PACE was a groundbreaking vehicle that helped shape consumer perceptions of electrified performance and sustainability. In its first year, the I-PACE amassed 62 international awards from automotive industry groups and media publishers for design, performance, innovation and environmental excellence. These accolades included multiple “Car of the Year” titles across regions like the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland and Canada, culminating in the 2019 European Car of the Year award and the 2019 World Car of the Year award, along with awards such as Best Design and Best Green Car, among many others.

The success of the I-PACE, powered by AAM’s high-performance EDU, demonstrated AAM's position as a pioneer in the electric vehicle market. By being one of the first to introduce such technology in the market, AAM established itself as a credible integrator and a leader in the industry.

In recognition of this groundbreaking work, AAM received its first Automotive News PACE Award in 2020 for the electric drive technology developed for the Jaguar I-PACE. Additionally, AAM and Jaguar Land Rover were honored with the 2020 Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership Award for their collaborative efforts on this project.

The electric drive unit for the Jaguar I-PACE was a transformative milestone for AAM, setting the stage for future innovations. It showcased our ability to push the boundaries of technology and deliver solutions that combine exceptional performance with sustainability. This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication of #TeamAAM and our commitment to Bringing the Future Faster.

AAM Milestone Moments is a monthly series celebrating and reflecting on key achievements in AAM’s 30-year history. Ranging from watershed innovations and technological advances to foundational programs and community initiatives that are part of AAM’s DNA, these AAM Milestone Moments will each tell an important piece of the AAM story.