Carmakers from the United States and other countries are thinking about ways to manufacture and improve a technology called an e-axle or e-drive. This technology is fast becoming an area of competition in the automobile industry. The e-axle, or e-drive, joins an electric vehicle’s gear, motor, and power-control electronics. It is the “brain” that controls how a vehicle uses energy stored in its battery. This “brain” turns that energy into power. It also helps get back energy lost when stopping the vehicle. In other words, a well-designed e-axle increases a vehicle’s power efficiency and ability to change speeds. It also helps extend the vehicle’s driving range and its smoothness. The technology has become a competitive area, in part, because automakers are under pressure to cut electric vehicles’ manufacturing costs. The goal is to make them cost as much as cars powered by gasoline.