E-Axle

E-axle technology integrates gearing, a motor, and power electronics in a compact modular package. It is an electro-mechanical propulsion system contained in an axle structure.

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E-Axle

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How it works¹⁸

• The e-axle combines a motor, an inverter, and a reducer, and, when supplied with electricity, it does everything from generating rotating torque from the drive shaft connected to tires to driving the vehicle.
• An e-axle can add electric propulsion to an unpowered axle when used in conjunction with a hybrid or conventional ICE powertrain.
• BEVs and FCEVs do not need multi-speed transmission and can use the same e-axles as both types of vehicles' final drive axles are operated by electricity. 

Benefits:

• Reduced or zero emissions
• Improved vehicle efficiency, performance and range
• Improved air quality and noise pollution
• More compact and lighter than traditional drivetrain systems
• Reduction in parts needed for the drivetrain, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production cost
• Extra battery capacity

¹⁸NIDEC corporation, EV Traction Motor System E-Axle, https://www.nidec.com/en/technology/new_field/e-axle/.