Taking innovation further with our 4 in 1 e-axle drive

Schaeffler looks to shake up the industry with its 4-in-1 electric axle drive, which integrates a thermal management system and electric motor, power electronics and transmission—making it Schaeffler’s most comprehensive drive system for electric cars so far.

Until now, Schaeffler had assembled up to three drive components in one compact unit. Matthias Zink, CEO of Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler AG stated that “Electric axles are a key element of our electric mobility strategy”. 2022 has now seen the launch of the 4 in 1 electric axle drive.

Combining the drive components of a conventional electric axle with the thermal management system will create a highly integrated and complete compact system that requires significantly less space than non-integrated solutions. According to Dr Jochen Shroder, head of the E-Mobility business division at Schaeffler, “The thermal management system has a significant influence on the efficiency and comfort of the vehicle”.

The thermal management system from Schaeffler works as the central control unit interconnecting the coolant and refrigerant circuits. Whilst using the waste heat from electric drive efficiently for optimised energy balance. Moreover, less energy is lost in the form of heat because unnecessary hoses and cables can be dispensed within. Schroder also stated, “In addition to the compact design, the greatest advantage of the 4in1 system is the optimised interaction of the individual subsystems”.

The range also includes the combination of two or three drive components. Schaeffler is opening a particularly large market since electric axles will be used in passenger and light commercial vehicles.

Schroder further concluded that “Such highly integrated complete systems are attractive for both established automobile manufacturers and new players”, which will reduce the development time and the costs for the complex new development of the entire drive.

Schaeffler will use its high production excellence to quickly bring electric drives to the market and in high volumes.

To learn about the Schaeffler 4 in 1 Electric Axle drive click here