2020 - PACE Award Winner

Innovation:  Compact coaxial transmission for e-axle

First customer: Audi e-tron

Schaeffler developed a compact transmission for e-axle applications that incorporates a planetary gear set in combination with a spur gear differential. The coaxial arrangement results in a smaller overall size and 30 percent more torque density than conventional transmission offerings. 
The motor speeds in today’s electric-drive vehicles are 50 to 100 percent higher than vehicles developed only a few years ago. Smaller, lighter motors present significant new engineering challenges, such as requiring high gear reduction in the transmission and additional thermal management. 
Schaeffler’s compact coaxial transmission enables designers to fit an e-axle drive system into smaller spaces. To save even more space, Schaeffler designers introduced a lubrication process handled through a passive system that requires no pump and very little lubricant. 

Website: www.schaeffler.com