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Bosch Develops Integrated Electric Axle
Robert Bosch GmbH says its new electric axle system integrates an electric motor, power electronics and transmission.
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Robert Bosch GmbH has introduced an electric axle system that integrates an electric motor, power electronics and transmission.
The design improves efficiency and reduces cost, according to the company. Bosch currently is supplying samples to customers and aims to launch commercial applications by 2019.
The integrated e-axle can be customized for use in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, ranging from compact cars to SUVs and pickup trucks and power throughput between 50 kW and 300 kW (67-402 hp).
A midrange 150-kW integrated e-axle would weigh about 200 lbs, which Bosch notes is considerable less than the combined total of freestanding versions of the gearbox, motor and electronics. A big contributor to the reduced weight and improved efficiency is the absence of copper cables, plugs and other interfaces.
Bosch points out that the cooling system also can be simplified, and there is no need for bearings for rotating components. And locating the transmission close to the motor saves space.
Bosch says the integrated system can accelerate better and maintain a high speed longer than other e-axles. Other purported benefits include improved acoustics and electromagnetic compatibility.
Bosch introduced its first-generation electric axle drive in 2012 in the Peugeot 3008 and Fiat 500e. In these systems the power electronics was not fully integrated into the drive unit.
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