Zac Quinn 
Electrification is sadly going to be the future of the automobile industry. While current technology continues to give EVs significant drawbacks for consumers, it’s only a matter of time before that is improved upon and range becomes significantly better. For those that have not expressed interest in purchasing a new vehicle but wish to make the switch later down the line to electrification, Magna has you covered with their Etelligent Force powertrain, which currently sits in a GMC Sierra HD for prototype testing.
According to The Charge, Magna states that its unique electric drivetrain was designed to maintain a pickup’s full capabilities without compromising the payload or towing capacities offered by gas power. Their Etelligent Force powertrain is capable of towing up to 14,500 pounds. The drivetrain uses the company’s eDrive technology at the front and eBeam electrified beam axle at the rear and is designed to fit into existing heavy-duty pickups and other trucks without significant modifications. The system is expected to have a total peak power of up to 420 kW or 575 horsepower. 250kW (335 ponies) from the rear eBeam and 180kW (240 hp) from the front eDrive.
Magna Etelligent Force Powertrain Demonstrated On GMC Sierra HD
As we can see in a video posted on the TFL Truck Youtube Channel below, most of the components on the GMC Sierra HD remain the same, minus the engine and drivetrain of the vehicle. They get to test out and compare the two trucks that ride on the same shocks, tires, and wheels. Magna states that despite the weight of the GMC Sierra HD, with the Etelligent Force powertrain, the truck can race from 0-60 in just 4.2 seconds, which is impressive for any vehicle, but especially so for something as hulking at as commercial light duty pickup truck.
Magna says that production of the system is set to start in 2025, and then people will be able to purchase and install the powertrain into their own 3/4 ton and 1-ton trucks if they wish to switch to electrification. The range is expected to be around 350+ miles, before adding anything to the trailer hitch.
