American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) swooped into CES 2024 with some of its electrified products and displays. AAM actively supports the world’s largest automakers in their shift to electric vehicles. The company does this by developing cutting-edge driveline technologies for passenger cars and trucks. At CES the company showcased several products including its award-winning, next-generation 3-in-1 electric drive units (eDUs), fully integrated beam axles, and advanced component technologies. This technology may reside in your current or future electrified vehicle.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance with AAM’s Electric Driveline Technology

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is AMG’s inaugural plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It incorporates AAM’s electric driveline technology to power the rear eDU. This cutting-edge system features an electromechanical actuated two-speed gearbox and an electromechanically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD). Positioned on the rear axle, the eDU marks the first instance of a volume production application that combines a mechanical, all-wheel-drive system with a two-speed electric drive module. The P3 system layout, with the electric motor situated on the rear axle, optimizes weight distribution, and enhances total output torque when compared to a transmission-mounted electric motor (P2 hybrid). Notably, the rear drive unit earned recognition as a 2022 Automotive News PACE Award Winner.

Battery Electric Truck with AAM 3-in-1 Electric Drive Units

AAM engineers have adapted a production light-duty truck, originally powered by an internal combustion engine, into a customized battery-electric truck. This transformation includes AAM’s 3-in-1 high-speed eDU and e-beam technologies. Specifically, the 1500 series truck is equipped with a 150 kW eDU propelling the front wheels and a 425 kW e-Beam at the rear. The 3-in-1 design, implemented in both the front and rear, seamlessly integrates AAM’s proprietary motor, inverter, and gearbox technologies into a unified assembly. This approach offers advantages in packaging, cost, and performance. Additionally, it facilitates simplified integration into various vehicle platforms.

Configurator and Dynamic Tabletop Display

Visitors attending CES could peruse multiple displays showcasing market-ready Electric Drive Technology systems. AAM experts were present to answer questions and chat about these technologies. The highlighted exhibits included a configurator. This is an interactive display enabling visitors to virtually assemble their electric vehicle utilizing AAM’s systems and components. Following the vehicle assembly, users can assess its performance. Performance is based on attributes such as peak power, maximum torque, acceleration, towing capability, and cruising range. The configurator is adaptable to various vehicle platforms, spanning performance sedans and SUVs to heavy-duty trucks. There was also a Dynamic Tabletop Display. This presentation offered a view of AAM’s product portfolio, encompassing components and assemblies. Utilizing a horizontal touch screen, visitors could explore inverters, actuators, rotor shafts, and differentials by placing small-scale replicas of the products on the interactive monitor.

CES Provided AAM a Platform to Showcase Driveline Technologies

“CES provides AAM a platform to showcase some of the industry’s preeminent driveline technologies that support a rapidly changing, global auto industry,” said David C. Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As the industry continues to transition to hybrid and electrified vehicles, we are proud of the products and technologies our engineers are developing. We are in a great position to provide OEMs with a full portfolio of products from EV components to fully electric drive systems.”