Magna Secures Contract to Build 800V Two-Speed eDrive for Chery at New China Plant
The system is rated at 250 kW and will be produced at Magna's Wuhu facility as part of a strategy to supply Chinese automakers locally.
Magna has been awarded a contract by Chery to build an 800-volt electric drive system that will be manufactured at the supplier's new Wuhu facility in China, expanding its local production capabilities for Chinese automakers.
What Happened
The system is a two-speed eDrive rated at 250 kW. Magna describes it as a compact, integrated design drawn from its modular electrification portfolio. According to the company, the architecture is engineered to improve power density and energy efficiency, supports a range of battery-electric applications, and can be integrated across global platforms. Separately, Magna's DHD Duo dedicated hybrid drive system has reached series production with Chery on the Jetour G700.
Why It Matters
Increasing voltage from traditional 400V to 800V reduces resistive losses in cables, connectors and busbars, allowing for lighter conductors and smaller cooling hardware. The higher bus voltage can also increase DC fast charging speed since charging power scales with voltage at a given current limit. Inverters at this voltage level generally use silicon carbide rather than silicon IGBTs due to SiC's ability to block higher voltage with lower switching losses. A two-speed gearbox provides a short ratio for launch and gradeability while offering a taller ratio for efficiency at highway speeds, whereas single-speed reduction must compromise with one fixed ratio.
The Bottom Line
"This new 800 V eDrive award with Chery reflects how we support OEMs as they move forward," said Diba Ilunga, President of Magna Powertrain. The contract marks another step in Magna's strategy to supply Chinese automakers through local production rather than imports.
