E-Axle
An e-axle (electric axle drive) is an electric propulsion assembly that supplies torque to the wheels on one axle.
What it means in an EV
The name does not define a standardized component boundary. An e-axle normally combines an electric motor with reduction gearing, while some products also integrate the inverter, differential, parking lock, cooling, lubrication, sensors, and control electronics. It therefore does not necessarily mean that the motor sits inside the axle or that each wheel has its own motor.
In an EV, an e-axle can be the main front or rear drive, or a secondary drive that adds all-wheel drive. The included hardware and the measurement boundary must be checked before comparing mass, efficiency, power density, or output figures between suppliers.
For the deeper packaging, cooling, service, and efficiency trade-offs, see Integrated Electric Drive Units.