On 5-6 November 2026 the fifth E-Axle Efficiency and Integration Summit opened in Qingpu, Shanghai, with bearing current, oil testing and power take-off matching ahead of torque. The base is electric: China sold 92,000 heavy trucks in October, down 13%, while new-energy heavy trucks reached 34,000, up nearly 69% at about 55% penetration, First Commercial Vehicle Network reported on 3 November.
Shaft Current Eats Bearings
Du Bochao of Harbin Institute of Technology explained shaft current: fast inverter switching pushes common-mode voltage onto the rotor shaft, and the discharge pits the bearing raceway. The fault never shows on a torque curve, only as noise, then seizure. Insulated bearings and a grounding path are now axle-level decisions.
Oil Has Become a Test Item
Sun Hailiang of CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) explained why e-axle oil testing is hard: one sump now serves gears, bearings and motor at oil temperatures that climb on long grades. Ma Luxiao of Jingjin Electric showed an integrated oil-cooled system, and Hande Axle sells a two-speed oil-cooled e-axle with a 12,000 rpm motor and SiC controller.
The Axle Becomes a Chassis Node
Gai Yuzhen of SANY Motor spoke on integrating the e-axle into a domain-controlled chassis, Huang Minfeng of SAIC Maxus Nanjing on joint development that shortens the cycle, Zhao Qidong of Zhejiang Bestway Power on power take-off matching, and Zheng Hongyu of Jilin University on an electrified trailer. Each adds a second interface.
What It Means for Zhucheng Yihe Axle
Zhucheng Yihe Axle Co., Ltd. builds front axles and drive axle assemblies in Shandong. Three items now belong in every quotation: bearing insulation or a grounding path, an oil drain interval backed by bench data, and a sealed power take-off port. Load rating, steering angle and brake interface still define the front axle, but the e-axle mating face comes first.
Conclusion
The 5-6 November 2026 Shanghai summit moved the commercial vehicle e-axle debate from peak torque to bearing current, oil life and power take-off matching; suppliers will now be judged on measured durability, not a datasheet.