JTEKT Develops Grease-Lubricated Ceramic Ball Bearing for High-Performance EV eAxles

JTEKT Corporation (headquartered in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture; President and CEO: Yasuhito Kondo; hereinafter 'JTEKT') has developed a grease-lubricated ceramic ball bearing optimized for high-performance electric vehicle (EV) eAxles. This newly developed product utilizes ceramic balls to prevent electrical erosion, enable high-speed rotation, and extend grease life. By combining a high-speed resin cage, non-contact seals, and optimized grease design, the bearing achieves high-speed operation up to 30,000 revolutions per minute (r/min). Guided by its mission to 'connect technology and bring smiles to the Earth and all who work,' JTEKT has established the JTEKT Group 2030 Vision: 'A solution provider shaping the future of mobility society through manufacturing and manufacturing equipment.' To achieve this transformation, the company is advancing corporate activities on two fronts: enhancing the value of existing products and challenging new domains. With this new product, JTEKT will collaborate with customers to co-create the future of mobility by enhancing electric vehicle performance. 1. Development Background In high-performance electric vehicles requiring high-output drive motors, vehicle design and unit structure constraints often prevent oil lubrication inside the eAxle motor. To address this challenge, JTEKT has developed a new bearing that adopts grease lubrication instead of oil lubrication, enabling installation in such eAxles while supporting the high-speed rotation demands of drive motors. 2. Key Features and Benefits The new bearing uses high-carbon bearing steel for the race rings (inner and outer rings) and lightweight, high-rigidity, non-conductive ceramic balls for the rolling elements. The reduced mass of the rolling elements minimizes centrifugal force and suppresses heat generation at high speeds. Additionally, a non-contact seal improves grease retention, while a high-rigidity, high-speed cage ensures rotational stability. Combined with a synthetic long-life grease offering excellent oil retention, water resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures, the bearing enables continuous high-temperature operation and extended service life. 3. Future Outlook As a solution provider shaping the future of mobility society, JTEKT will continue proposing products that contribute to high-performance electric vehicles. Beyond this, the company will leverage its cross-domain competencies to deliver diverse solutions that support a wide range of mobility applications and industrial sectors. ・May 12, 2026: Development of Ultra-High-Speed Deep Groove Ball Bearing for eAxles ～Achieves up to 40,000 r/min, contributing to eAxle miniaturization and weight reduction～ https://www.jtekt.co.jp/news/2026/005323.html