US Patent 6978853 Axle assembly with parallel mounted electric motors

An axle assembly includes a first and a second electric motor which drive a gearbox assembly substantially therebetween. The electric motors drive the gearbox assembly which drives the vehicle wheels through a first and second axle shaft located along a first axis. The electric motors are located along axes which are substantially parallel to the first axis. The electric motors drive the gearbox assembly which includes a first stage gear reduction, a second stage gear reduction and a third stage gear reduction. A relatively lightweight and compact axle assembly is thereby provided which will benefit from an electric motor of reduced size.