China adds Canadian 800V electric drive program with new 250kW two-speed EV system

Canadian automotive supplier Magna has expanded its presence in China’s electric vehicle sector after securing a new electric drive program from Chinese automaker Chery. The agreement will bring production of a high-voltage electric drive system to Magna’s new facility in Wuhu, adding another locally built propulsion technology to the supplier’s growing portfolio in the world’s largest EV market. New eDrive program Chery selected Magna’s 250-kilowatt, 800-volt two-speed electric drive system for a future battery-electric vehicle program. Magna will manufacture the unit at its Wuhu facility, located in the Chinese city where Chery was founded and continues to operate significant manufacturing and engineering operations. Building the system close to Chery’s production base should streamline logistics and allow closer collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams. The approach also supports Chinese automakers that increasingly prefer localized supply chains as they scale production and expand into overseas markets. Engineers designed the compact drive unit around Magna’s modular electrification platform. The integrated system aims to increase power density, improve efficiency, and support multiple battery-electric vehicle architectures without requiring extensive redesigns. That flexibility allows manufacturers to deploy the technology across different vehicle sizes and market segments. Diba Ilunga, president of Magna Powertrain, said the award reflects the company’s ability to support automakers pursuing different propulsion technologies. “Magna’s strength lies in our ability to support customers across propulsion technologies and regions,” Ilunga said. He added that the company works with manufacturers developing electric and hybrid vehicles while meeting demands for performance, efficiency and scalable production. Why 800V matters Automakers have accelerated the shift toward 800-volt electrical architectures as they chase shorter charging times and higher efficiency. Compared with traditional 400-volt systems, higher-voltage platforms can deliver more power while reducing electrical losses and heat generation. Those advantages make them increasingly attractive for premium vehicles, performance EVs and larger SUVs that require faster charging and sustained high-power output. Chinese manufacturers have emerged among the industry’s fastest adopters of 800-volt technology. Competition in the domestic EV market has pushed brands to introduce faster charging capabilities and more efficient powertrains, creating growing opportunities for suppliers that specialize in advanced electric drive systems. Hybrid production expands Magna’s latest win follows another milestone in its partnership with Chery. The companies have started series production of Magna’s DHD Duo dedicated hybrid drive system for the Jetour G700, moving the program from development into commercial manufacturing. Dedicated hybrid drive systems integrate electric motors and transmission components into a single package to improve fuel economy while maintaining strong performance. Magna first announced the Chery program in 2024, and its move into series production demonstrates the supplier’s ability to bring complex high-voltage propulsion systems from engineering to large-scale manufacturing.For Magna, supporting both hybrid and battery-electric programs gives the company a broader role in China’s rapidly evolving automotive industry. The Chery partnership now spans multiple propulsion technologies, positioning the Canadian supplier to benefit as the country’s automakers continue expanding their electrified vehicle lineups at home and abroad.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.