The E-wheel drive from Schaeffler provides complete integration of an electric motor, power electronics, control system, and mechanical system (including the wheel bearing) into the drive wheels. Its packaging flexibility "allows new vehicle structures and interior concepts for the city-driven car of tomorrow," according to the company. Because each drive wheel is individually controllable, the design provides for increased maneuverability and agility due to torque-vectoring, and the design offers improved active safety due to expanded ESP/ABS functionality. Per axle, each E-wheel drive offers a continuous 1,000 Nm/50 kW (about 738 lb. ft./68 hp), with a peak of 1,600 Nm/85 kW.
