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Vehicle electrification - bearing content
What it is
Electrification removes engine and gearbox bearings but adds e-axle, motor and reducer bearings running at far higher speeds - often above 20,000 rpm - with electrical insulation to prevent current passing through and pitting the raceway
Fewer bearings per vehicle, but more demanding ones
Impact on industries
- Unit count per vehicle falls as the engine and multi-speed gearbox disappear, taking the highest-volume bearing positions with them
- Value per bearing rises sharply - high-speed, low-friction, electrically insulated bearings command a multiple of conventional prices
- Technical difficulty narrows the competitive set, favouring manufacturers with materials and coating capability over commodity producers
- Requalification is separate from ICE incumbency, so an established supplier must win the EV platform afresh