Differential
A differential is a driveline mechanism that lets two connected outputs rotate at different speeds while transmitting torque.
What it means in an EV
On a conventional driven axle, the inside and outside wheels travel different distances in a corner. A differential allows that speed difference instead of forcing both wheels to rotate together. An open differential, limited-slip differential, and locking differential handle torque and speed differences in different ways, so the word “differential” alone does not describe traction capability.
An EV with one motor driving both wheels on an axle normally uses a differential after the reduction gear. An axle with separate motors and separate gear paths can control the two wheel speeds without a conventional mechanical differential. A differential also does not automatically provide active torque vectoring.
For the differential’s place in an EV reduction drive, see EV Reduction Gears and Transmissions.