The highest possible range suitable for everyday use is the key to acceptance of modern battery electric vehicles – every watt counts! We have therefore "trimmed the drive for efficiency" and show how highly integrated e-axle systems make optimum use of the available battery capacity. As the "heart" and "brain" of an electric drive system, the e-motor and power electronics have special roles to play: Designed in high-speed architecture, the traction machine is comparatively small and light; at the same time, integrated slot cooling regulates the motor temperature to ensure high continuous power close to peak power. Particularly smart: The waste heat from the electric motor is absorbed directly at the source – the copper windings – and is available, e. g. for temperature control of the driver's cab or battery. Loaded with software innovations, the new 800 V SiC power electronics not only control the optimum redistribution of waste heat throughout the vehicle via the thermal management system, but also leverage further efficiency potential in the powertrain by controlling decoupling units, parking locks or smart hydraulic systems, among other things.