Hewland Engineering to provide transmission for Buckeye Bullet

Posted on 7 Jun 2013 by The Manufacturer

Low carbon automotive manufacturer Hewland Engineering has announced it will provide a specially designed transmission system for the Venturi Buckeye Bullet Racing team’s electric vehicle speed record.

The Berkshire-based firm will put its engineering expertise to the test in August during the Bonneville Speed Week when the Buckeye Bullet 2.5 car will attempt to break the current speed record for an electric vehicle (EV). It aims to exceed 400mph.

Hewland Engineering has a strong record in supplying to the Formula 1 industry, particularly in the 1970s, but specialised in low carbon technologies in 2009. It now provides EV design consultancy services around the globe in addition t maintaining its design, engineering and manufacturing facility in White-Waltham, near Maidenhead.

William Hewland, the company’s president says that the pioneering work of Hewland’s engineers has changed preconceptions about EV technologies. “Five years ago, it was generally felt that multi-speed gearboxes were not required for electric vehicles, due to the exceptional torque delivery the motors produce. Our work has gone a long way to change that thinking.”

Mr Hewland is proud of the engineering and problem solving expertise of his team, which offers complete concept-to-manufacture solutions. “We have some of the best transmission designers in the business, and a proven ability to deliver innovative products to tight deadlines. If a customer has an idea, we can turn it into a design. If a customer has a design, we have the manufacturing precision to make that design a reality,” he said.

Hewland Engineering reported sales in excess of £13m in 2012 and employs 110 people. The firm was founded in 1957.