Cross Creek Subaru Collision Center

What is an Electrically Powered Axle?

With the introduction of vehicles such as the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, electric vehicle usage is soaring. As a result, companies worldwide are working to create an electric battery that will increase range and lower the cost of these cars.

At Cross Creek Subaru Collision Center, we covet all of the new car technology and that's why we like blogs like these to share with our customers, friends and associates in Fayetteville, NC .

In September, Bosch announced that it developed a new generation e-axle (electric axle drive). It combines the motor, power electronics and transmission into one unit to drive the car’s axles. Not only does the company say it will make the powertrain more efficient, but also more affordable since fewer parts are needed.

Over the last five years, Bosh had offered electric axle drives to its customers and reportedly there are more than 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles that use Bosch components.

What makes the company’s latest development so unique is that the three powertrain components have been combined into one unit. Industry experts say the company has not only redesigned the current system but has also improved the motor and power electronics.

Bosch is currently testing the technology and talking to automakers around the world to learn about their specific requirements. Mass production of the e-axles is expected in 2019.

“The e-axle is the ‘start-up’ powertrain for electric cars—also at established automakers. It allows them to save valuable development time and to get their electric vehicles to market considerably faster,” said Dr. Rolf Bulander, chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector and a board member for the management of Robert Bosch GmbH.

What customers can expect:

1.)      With flexible components, it is expected the e-axle will be installed in a wide range of vehicles including hybrids, electric vehicles, compact cars, SUVs and light trucks.

2.)      After determining the performance, torque and installation space required from an automaker, Bosch said it will customize the powertrain for its customers. 

3.)      Since the powertrain is expected to deliver between 50 and 300KW, Bosch said it can power larger vehicles, like SUVs, electrically. (An electric axle delivering 150 kW weighs about 198 lbs.) The torque ranges from 1,000 to 6,000 Newton meters.

4.)      Front- and rear-axle drive is possible when the e-axle is installed in hybrid and electric vehicles.

5.)      Bosch said the development will allow the electrical power powertrain to better accelerate as well as maintain a higher speed for longer.

Sources: USA Today, YouTube and Forbes