SKF
eDrive Unit Seals (Automotive)
SKF eDrive unit seals are dedicated sealing solutions for electric vehicle drivetrains, including electric motors, reduction gearboxes, and power electronics enclosures. These seals must meet fundamentally different requirements than internal combustion engine seals: very high shaft speeds (up to and exceeding 20,000 rpm), compatibility with low-viscosity EV transmission fluids (often with aggressive additive packages for copper corrosion protection), extremely low friction to maximise vehicle range, and the need to prevent electrical current passage. SKF’s low-friction seals for eDrive units utilise advanced PTFE compounds, special lip geometries with optimised radial load, and often incorporate conductive or insulating properties. The seals are validated for the high-speed, high-temperature duty cycles of modern EV powertrains and are designed to meet stringent ingress protection (IP) ratings while maintaining minimal drag torque. As the automotive industry transitions to electrification, SKF eDrive seals are critical enablers for drivetrain efficiency, range, and reliability.
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Ultra-Low Friction PTFE Designs
Minimise drag torque for enhanced EV driving range.
Very High-Speed Capability
Validated to >20,000 rpm for high-speed e-motors.
Compatibility with EV Fluids
Materials resist low-viscosity, high-additive e-transmission oils.
Electrical Insulation or Conductivity
Options to prevent bearing currents or dissipate static charge.
High IP Protection
Seals prevent water and dust ingress into e-motor and gearbox.
Reduced Energy Loss
Seals contribute to overall powertrain efficiency targets.
Low Friction Seals for eDrive: Maximising EV Range
In an electric vehicle, every watt of friction loss directly reduces range. SKF’s low-friction eDrive seals use a PTFE lip with carefully controlled interference and optimised spring loading, reducing seal drag torque by up to 70% compared to a conventional FKM radial shaft seal. Over a vehicle’s life, this saves significant energy and extends battery range per charge.
Sealing Against Electrical Bearing Currents in e-Motors
High-frequency switching in power inverters induces shaft voltages that can arc through motor bearings and seals. SKF eDrive seals can be engineered with conductive elements to safely dissipate shaft currents to the housing, protecting the bearing from electrical erosion. Alternatively, insulating seals can be used to block the current path, depending on the motor grounding strategy.