In most automobiles, beam axles have been replaced with front (IFS) and rear independent suspensions (IRS).
While typically used in vehicles with Hotchkiss drive, this suspension system can also be used with other types of power transmission.
[4] A larger/thicker axle is stronger, but also comes with increased cost, unsprung weight, and more compatibility issues (drivetrain, suspension, steering geometries, body mount locations, clearances) on smaller vehicles.
[5] eAxle or E-axle is a solid axle with electric motors attached to the differential, either end, or elsewhere.
Inverters, power electronics, gearboxes, transfer cases (including low-range gearing), and transmissions may also be attached to the motors and/or axle.