US Patent 12077051 Electric vehicle with solid axle and hub motors

An electrified vehicle axle includes a first wheel assembly having a first electric machine configured to power a first wheel and a second wheel assembly having a second electric machine configured to power a second wheel. A beam has a first end connected to the first wheel assembly and second end connected to the second wheel assembly. An axle shaft is supported for rotation within a hollow center of the beam and is configured to transfer torque between the first and second electric machines. At least one clutch selectively couples at least one of the electric machines to the axle shaft.