In 2026, the drivetrain/powertrain systems of new energy vehicles (NEVs, including pure electric BEVs, plug-in hybrid PHEVs/extended-range EREVs) are accelerating their evolution towards high integration, lightweight design, and high efficiency. Global EV sales are expected to exceed 20 million units (with a penetration rate of over 26%), and the penetration rate in the Chinese market will exceed 57%. As one of the core components of the "three electric systems," the drivetrain faces multiple challenges, including deep integration with electrification, cost pressure, and the need for improved efficiency. The following summarizes key trends based on the latest industry reports and trends.
1. High Integration: e-Axle (Electric Drive Axle) Becomes Mainstream
• Core Trend: Motor, reducer, differential, inverter (and even electronic control) are integrated into a single "X-in-1" module (e-Axle), replacing the traditional driveshaft + gearbox.
• Advantages: 30-50% reduction in size, 20-40% reduction in weight, efficiency increased to over 95%, 10-20% reduction in manufacturing costs, and optimized space for battery layout.
• 2026 Market: The global e-Axle market is expected to exceed US$50 billion (CAGR over 20%), with Chinese automakers (such as BYD, Geely, and Great Wall) mass-producing 800V high-voltage integrated e-Axles suitable for A0-C class vehicles.
• Typical Application: Front/rear dual-motor layout (AWD), supporting torque vectoring for improved handling.
2. Lightweight Material Revolution: Carbon Fiber Composite Materials + Aluminum Alloy Popularization
• Drive Shaft/Half Shaft: Traditional steel shafts are shifting to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or aluminum alloy, resulting in a 50-70% weight reduction while maintaining torque capacity and increasing driving range by 5-10%.
• 2026 Trend: High-end vehicles (such as Tesla, NIO, and Li Auto) will feature carbon fiber drive shafts as standard; commercial vehicles/light trucks are also beginning to test composite material e-Axles.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Costs remain high (but significant reductions are expected with mass production), and the Chinese supply chain (such as manufacturers in Guangzhou/Jiangsu) is accelerating localization.
3. Wire-Controlled and Intelligent Upgrades
• Wire-controlled chassis: EMB (Electro-Mechanical Braking) is expected to be mass-produced in 2026 (by companies like Jingxi Zhixing), replacing hydraulic braking, improving responsiveness, and supporting L3+ autonomous driving.
• Torque vectoring + energy recovery: Dual-motor e-Axle achieves precise torque distribution, with energy recovery efficiency exceeding 90%.
• Software-defined: AI optimizes transmission efficiency, and OTA upgrades motor control strategies.
4. Opportunities in the Chinese Market and for Businesses
• Penetration rate exceeds 57%, sales are expected to reach over 20 million units, and the localization rate of e-Axle exceeds 90%.
• Opportunities for manufacturers: Strong supply chains in Guangzhou/Chongqing (similar to CCL factories), and websites can focus on optimizing EV-compatible product pages and lightweighting case studies.
• Challenges: Declining subsidies + tariffs, resulting in significant cost pressure; accelerated integration and lightweighting are needed to reduce costs.