LEADRIVE and SCHAEFFLER join strategic cooperation

Global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler signed an investment and strategic cooperation agreement with Leadrive on December 16th, 2021 in Shanghai to cooperate in electric mobility.

The purpose of the partnership is to conduct joint development in the electric mobility product areas including E-Axles by virtue of Leadrive’s and Schaeffler’s respective proprietary technology advantages in the field of electrical drive systems, motor control units and semiconductor power modules for electric vehicle applications, with the aim to start volume production for the first pilot project in 2023. In the meanwhile, Schaeffler will also invest in Leadrive by purchasing stakes in its latest B2 round of financing.

“The electro-mechanical integration is a trend of electrical vehicle drive system. Leadrive and Schaeffler will strengthen their respective proprietary technology advantages in the field of 'electrical' and 'mechanical',” said Dr. SHEN Jie, Founder and General Manager of Leadrive. “Through this partnership, we will develop globally technical advanced electrical powertrain products together, including the 800V Silicon Carbide E-Axle.”

The agreement was signed by Dr. SHEN Jie, Founder and General Manager of Leadrive Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Dr. CHEN Xiangbin, President Automotive Technologies of Schaeffler Greater China, and was witnessed by Dr. Jochen SCHROEDER, President Business Division E-Mobility of Schaeffler Group from online connection.