Electric traction machines without permanent magnets provide several benefits that are becoming increasingly important for the current and future requirements of global electrification. Vitesco Technologies has therefore developed an externally excited rotor for its EMR4 (Electronic Motor Reducer, 4th generation) axle drive platform. This new option almost has plug-and-play-like features. Simulations and tests of the rotor and the associated components show that common fundamental technical assumptions regarding externally excited machines no longer reflect the state of development.