METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MECHANICALLY LOCK TWO OR MORE ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR INCREASED VEHICLE TRACTION

An electrified powertrain for a vehicle includes first and second electric motors, first and second gearbox assemblies, a coupling assembly and a controller. The first electric motor includes a first stator, a first rotor and a first output shaft. The second electric motor includes a second stator, a second rotor and a second output shaft. The first gearbox assembly operably connects the first output shaft with a first drive axle that drives a first drive wheel. The second gearbox assembly operably connects the second output shaft with a second drive axle that drives a second drive wheel. The coupling assembly has a first stub shaft, a second stub shaft, a collar and an actuator. The coupling assembly is movable between an unlocked position wherein the first and second stub shafts are disconnected and a locked position wherein the first and second stub shafts are fixed for concurrent rotation.