E-AXLE-R8R Next-generation E-AXLE Responding to the 8 customer Requirements for ACCELERATED powertrain ELECTRIFICATION

A new electric drive unit aims to cut the cost of electric vehicle powertrains below UK Automotive Council 2025 targets. The high price of electric and hybrid-electric powertrains is slowing the shift away from petrol and diesel cars. This project tackles that bottleneck by designing a fully integrated e-axle—combining power electronics, an electric motor, and a gearbox into one unit—that can be manufactured in the UK. The key innovations include a polymer-bonded rotor and an ultra-low-cost roll-up stator for the motor, plus optimised power stage layouts and novel cooling for the electronics. Advanced system-level tools will select the best gearbox design for the application. If successful, the e-axle will reduce the upfront cost of electric vehicles, speeding their adoption and cutting the need for government subsidies. It also aims to create skilled manufacturing jobs in the UK. The complete unit will be demonstrated in a test vehicle built by Detroit Electric, a breakthrough electric vehicle manufacturer. This is applied engineering with a clear commercial and environmental goal: make electric drivetrains cheaper, more efficient, and built in Britain.